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Prostate cancer is among the most prevalent cancers of males and genetics and age do play a role; yet lifestyle-based issues such as obesity, smoking and dietary habits are being increasingly understood to be major risk factors in its development. Physicians highlight that all of these are modifiable risk factors and can not only determine whether a man will develop prostate cancer but also how aggressive the cancer will be when it does develop.

In a conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr Ramana Gogi, Principal Consultant - Medical Oncology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram explained how obesity, smoking and diet increase the risk of prostate cancer.

How Does Obesity Increase Your Risk Of Prostate Cancer?

Obesity has a multifaceted connection to prostate cancer. Men with greater body mass index (BMI) are more likely to get aggressive forms of the disease, researchers report. Excess body fat changes hormone levels, thus boosting estrogen and lowering testosterone balance, predisposing cells to abnormally grow. Obesity is also associated with higher amounts of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF), both of which can promote cancer cell proliferation. In addition, being overweight also complicates the diagnosis of prostate cancer earlier on because PSA levels in obese men will be lower, causing delayed detection when the disease is already more advanced in stage.

How Does Smoking Increase Your Risk Of Prostate Cancer?

Smoking is also a major risk factor that complicates the state of individuals with prostate cancer. While smoking alone does not directly cause prostate cancer, it raises the risk for aggressive disease and disease-related mortality significantly. Cigarette smoke has carcinogens that can cause damage to DNA and interfere with the body's own repair systems, leaving the cells open to mutations. Smoking also decreases oxygen delivery to tissues, allowing an environment conducive to tumour growth. In research, smokers who have prostate cancer have a greater recurrence rate after treatment and are also more likely to have metastasis compared with non-smokers.

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How Does Diet Increase Your Risk Of Prostate Cancer?

Diet is also implicated in the risk of prostate cancer. Dietary patterns with high red and processed meat, saturated fats, and dairy foods are linked with the onset of the disease. These food items increase the level of oxidative stress and inflammation, both of which provide a conducive niche for the growth of cancer cells. Diets rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grain foods, and antioxidant-rich foods like lycopene (tomato) protect against it. Overindulgence in sweet drinks and processed carbohydrates also promotes insulin resistance, hence promoting the development of cancer.

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Physicians observe that the practice of healthy lifestyle behaviours can lower the risks. Healthy weight maintenance, smoking cessation, and consumption of an eating pattern that comprises a high proportion of fruits and vegetables rich in fibre and antioxidant components are proven prevention methods. In men with prostate cancer family histories, these food and lifestyle modifications are especially important. With control of obesity, abstinence from tobacco products, and food consciousness, men may lower the risk of prostate cancer and encourage overall long-term health.