Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, with over one million cases diagnosed globally each year.

While known risk factors for prostate cancer include age, family history, and genetics, a new study has found a potential link between a certain substance and an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.

What Is the Substance?

The substance in question is acrylamide, a chemical that can be found in certain foods, particularly those that are fried, baked, or roasted.

Acrylamide is formed when some foods are cooked at high temperatures, and it has been classified as a “probable human carcinogen” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

The Study

The new study, published in the International Journal of Cancer, analyzed data from over 140,000 men who participated in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study.

The men completed dietary questionnaires and were followed for an average of 14 years.

During the follow-up period, 7,034 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The researchers found that men who consumed the highest levels of acrylamide in their diets had a 30% increased risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men who consumed the lowest levels.

The Link

While the link between acrylamide and prostate cancer is not yet fully understood, there are a few potential explanations.

One theory is that acrylamide may damage DNA and impair the body’s ability to repair that damage, which could lead to the development of cancer. Another theory is that acrylamide may increase levels of certain hormones that are known to contribute to prostate cancer.

What Foods Contain Acrylamide?

Acrylamide is present in a variety of foods, but it is particularly abundant in starchy foods that are cooked at high temperatures. Some examples include:.

Potato chips
French fries
Baked goods such as cookies, crackers, and bread
Coffee
Toasted bread
Roasted nuts

It’s worth noting that not all foods that are cooked at high temperatures contain acrylamide, and not all foods that contain acrylamide are cooked at high temperatures.

However, if you’re concerned about minimizing your exposure to acrylamide, you may want to limit your consumption of the foods listed above.

What Does This Mean for Prostate Cancer Prevention?

While this study does suggest a link between acrylamide and prostate cancer, it’s important to remember that correlation does not equal causation. There is not yet enough evidence to say for certain that acrylamide directly causes prostate cancer.

Additionally, prostate cancer is a complex disease with many different risk factors, and lifestyle factors such as exercise and maintaining a healthy weight may also play a role in prevention.

However, it is still worth being mindful of your acrylamide intake as part of an overall balanced diet. In particular, you may want to consider limiting your consumption of high-acrylamide foods such as potato chips and French fries.

If you enjoy coffee, keep in mind that the levels of acrylamide in coffee can vary depending on the brewing method and roasting level, and opting for a lighter roast may reduce your exposure.

Conclusion

The link between acrylamide and prostate cancer is an area of ongoing research, and more studies will be needed to fully understand the relationship.

In the meantime, making small changes to your diet can help reduce your exposure to acrylamide and other potential carcinogens. And as always, if you have concerns about prostate cancer or other health issues, be sure to speak with your doctor.