Prostate cancer linked to men's waistline size, research suggests
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer for men in the UK and is thought to be responsible for 10,000 deaths annually
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Men with larger waistlines could be at higher risk of developing prostate cancer, new research has suggested.
The study, by researchers at the University of Oxford, analysed data on 130,000 men in aged in their fifties from eight different European countries. It found men were most at risk from the cancer when their waistline exceeds 37 inches (94 cm).
Men with a 37 inch waistline were found to have a 13% higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer than men with a waist of 33 inches (84cm).
The research suggests a higher mortality rate is associated higher Body Mass Indexes (BMI), as it may be linked to more aggressive forms of the cancer, known as high grade prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer for men in the UK. Around 47,000 men are diagnosed with it in the UK every year, with an estimated 10,800 annual fatalities.
Simon Grieveson, Head of Research Funding at Prostate Cancer UK told The Independent: “Maintaining a healthy weight and staying active can protect against many diseases, including cancer. This research adds to a growing amount of evidence that shows that weight and waist size could be another crucial risk factor for men to be aware of when it comes to protecting themselves against prostate cancer.”
He added that the research was a reminder of the need to be vigilant for symptoms of the disease and to aid earlier diagnosis by acting on concerns as they arise: “Prostate cancer is often symptomless in the early stages when it is most treatable which is why awareness of risk is so crucial. We already know that men over 50, black men and men with a family history of prostate cancer are more likely to develop the disease. These findings may give doctors another warning sign to look out for. Importantly, unlike the other known risk factors, being overweight is a risk factor that men can proactively do something to change.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments