Risk factors for prostate cancer in men aged less than 60 years: a case-control study from Italy

To analyze the relationship between selected risk factors and prostate cancer risk in men younger than 60 years, using data from a large, multicenter, case-control study conducted in Italy.

Cases were 219 patients, aged 45 to 59 years, with histologically confirmed prostate cancer, and controls were 431 men of the same age group, admitted in hospital for acute, non-neoplastic diseases.

A family history of prostate cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 5.5), brain cancer (OR = 3.7), and leukemia (OR = 6.2) were associated with prostate cancer risk. A significantly increased risk was found for high education level (OR = 3.3 for 12 or more years versus less than 7 years) and a decreased risk for physical activity (OR = 0.5 for active versus inactive). Coffee consumption was directly associated with risk of prostate cancer (OR = 1.9 for the third versus the first tertile). Bread consumption was directly related (OR = 1.6) and consumption of raw and total vegetables inversely related (OR = 0.6) to prostate cancer risk, although these associations were of borderline significance. No association emerged with marital status, body mass index, history of diabetes, alcohol drinking, and other considered foods.

This study confirms that some recognized risk factors, including family history of prostate cancer, high level of education, and low physical activity, are associated with prostate cancer risk in middle-aged men.