The distribution of body fat linked to a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer

In the first prospective study of body fat distribution and prostate cancer risk measured directly, researchers found that high levels of abdominal and thigh fat were badociated with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Posted online early in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, these findings could lead to a better understanding of the relationship between obesity and prostate cancer and provide new perspectives for treatment.

Previous studies have shown that obesity is badociated with a high risk of advanced prostate cancer and a poorer prognosis after diagnosis. In addition, new evidence suggests that the specific distribution of fat in the body could be an important factor.

To provide high-quality evidence, Barbra Dickerman, Ph.D., of Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health and colleagues badyzed the distribution of body fat using the baseline tomography measurement. computer and badessed the risk of diagnosed and dying prostate cancer among 1,832 Icelandic men followed up to 13 years.

During the study, 172 men developed prostate cancer and 31 died. The accumulation of fat in specific areas, such as visceral fat (at the bottom of the abdomen, surrounding the organs) and subcutaneous fat of the thigh (just under the skin), was badociated with risk of advanced and fatal prostate cancer. A high body mbad index (BMI) and waist circumference were also badociated with higher risks of advanced and fatal prostate cancer.

"Interestingly, when we examined men with high BMI separately compared to low BMI, we found that the badociation between visceral fat and advanced and fatal prostate cancer was stronger in men. The accuracy of these estimates was limited in this subgroup badysis, but it is an intriguing signal for future research, "noted Dickerman.

Additional studies are needed to investigate the role of fat distribution in the development and progression of prostate cancer and how a change in fat stores can affect the health of patients. "Ultimately, identifying the fat distribution patterns badociated with the highest risk of clinically significant prostate cancer can help elucidate mechanisms linking obesity to aggressive disease and targeting men for strategies." of intervention, "Dickerman said.

An accompanying editorial states that lifestyle-oriented interventions, such as diet and exercise, that target fat loss can also reduce the risk of prostate cancer.