Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate – a gland found in the male reproductive system. It is the second most common cancer in men, after skin cancer.

Symptoms of the disease include difficulty in urinating, blood in urine, and lower back pain.

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but several factors increase the risk of developing the disease. These include age, family history, and race.

Men over the age of 50 are more likely to develop the disease, and the risk increases for men with a family history of prostate cancer. African-American men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to Caucasian men.

Waist Circumference and Prostate Cancer Risk

A recent study has found a link between increased waist circumference and deadly prostate cancer. The study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, looked at the data from over 180,000 men in the United States, Europe, and Asia.

The study found that men with a waist circumference of over 43 inches (110 cm) had a 13% higher risk of developing deadly prostate cancer compared to men with a waist circumference of less than 35 inches (90 cm).

The risk increased with every 4-inch (10 cm) increase in waist circumference.

The study also found that body mass index (BMI) was not associated with the risk of deadly prostate cancer. This suggests that abdominal fat, rather than overall body weight, is the key factor in increasing the risk of the disease.

Abdominal Fat and Prostate Cancer

Abdominal fat, also known as visceral fat, is stored in the abdomen and surrounds the internal organs.

Unlike subcutaneous fat, which is stored beneath the skin, abdominal fat is metabolically active and produces hormones that can increase the risk of chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Studies have shown that abdominal fat is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Abdominal fat produces hormones such as insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and adiponectin, which have been linked to the development and growth of prostate cancer.

Reducing the Risk of Prostate Cancer

There are several ways to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer, including maintaining a healthy weight and waist circumference. Exercise can help reduce abdominal fat and improve overall health.

A healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can also reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Regular prostate cancer screening is also important, particularly for men over the age of 50 or those with a family history of the disease. Screening tests include a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.

Conclusion

Abdominal fat is a key factor in increasing the risk of deadly prostate cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight and waist circumference through exercise and a healthy diet can reduce the risk of the disease.

Early detection through regular prostate cancer screening is also important for those at risk.