High BMI & Waist Circumference Linked to Aggressive Prostate Cancer

A high body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference appears to increase the risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Researchers followed 141,896 men from eight European countries and found a 10% increased risk of high grade (aggressive) prostate cancer for every five point increase in BMI and a 13% increase for every ten cm (3.9 inch) increase in waist circumference. Additionally, they found a 14% higher risk for fatal prostate cancer with every five point increase in BMI, and 18% increased risk in every ten cm increase in waist circumference. They conclude, “The findings from this large prospective study show that the association between body size and prostate cancer is complex and varies by disease aggressiveness; men who have greater adiposity have an elevated risk of high grade prostate cancer and prostate cancer death.” European Association for the Study of Obesity, June 2016