Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide, with an estimated 1.1 million new cases and 307,000 deaths in 2012.

While the causes of prostate cancer are not fully understood, there is growing evidence suggesting that obesity and lifestyle factors may play a role in the development and progression of the disease.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid.

In most cases, prostate cancer grows slowly and remains confined to the prostate gland, but some types of prostate cancer can be aggressive and spread quickly to other parts of the body.

What is Waist Perimeter?

Waist perimeter or waist circumference is a measure of abdominal obesity. It is the measurement of the waist at the point just above the uppermost hip bone, usually at the level of the navel.

A high waist circumference is associated with an increased risk of several conditions, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer.

The Association Between Waist Perimeter and Prostate Cancer

A growing number of studies have investigated the relationship between waist perimeter and prostate cancer risk.

A meta-analysis of 17 prospective cohort studies found that higher waist circumference was associated with an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer, with a 13% increased risk for every 10-cm increase in waist circumference.

Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that men with a waist circumference of 43 inches or greater had a 36% higher risk of developing advanced prostate cancer, compared to men with a waist circumference of less than 35 inches.

Why Does Waist Perimeter Increase Prostate Cancer Risk?

The exact mechanisms behind the association between waist perimeter and prostate cancer risk are not fully understood. However, several hypotheses have been suggested, including:.

Abdominal obesity may increase insulin resistance and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels, which in turn stimulate cell growth and proliferation in the prostate gland.
Abdominal fat is a source of estrogen, which has been associated with the development and progression of prostate cancer.
Abdominal obesity may promote inflammation, which has been linked to the development and progression of several types of cancer.
Abdominal obesity may increase oxidative stress, which can damage DNA and promote the development of cancer cells.

How Can You Reduce Waist Perimeter and Prostate Cancer Risk?

There are several lifestyle changes that can help reduce waist perimeter and decrease the risk of prostate cancer, including:.

Eating a healthy and balanced diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein.
Avoiding processed and high-fat foods that can contribute to weight gain.
Engaging in regular physical activity, such as jogging, biking, or swimming, for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
Maintaining a healthy weight and waist circumference through regular exercise and healthy eating habits.
Limiting alcohol consumption and quitting smoking, as both of these habits have been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including prostate cancer.

The Bottom Line

There is growing evidence suggesting that abdominal obesity, as measured by waist perimeter or circumference, may increase the risk for aggressive prostate cancer.

While the exact mechanisms behind this association are not fully understood, lifestyle changes such as healthy eating habits, regular physical activity, and weight management may help reduce waist perimeter and decrease the risk of prostate cancer.