Processed Foods, Red Meat Increase Risk of Prostate Cancer

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Processed Foods, Red Meat Increase Risk of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer (excluding skin cancers) in American men. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 230,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed each year, and that one in every six men will be diagnosed with the condition during their lifetime.

Previous research has established that fat intake is the most consistent dietary component associated with increased prostate cancer risk. However, other factors, such as the types, frequencies and quantities of foods consumed, may also contribute to the development of prostate cancer over time.
To help clarify the relationship between dietary habits and prostate cancer, scientists reviewed the dietary habits of 414 men ages 50 to 80, including 80 men who were diagnosed with primary prostate cancer. Prior to diagnosis, each study participant was asked to complete a food-frequency questionnaire, which documented average food and beverage consumption in the previous 2 years. Analysis of the questionnaires established four dietary patterns: "Healthy Living" (characterized by high intake of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and poultry); "Traditional Western" (associated with red meat, processed meats, milk, sweets, and hard liquor); "Processed" (strongly associated with processed meats, red meat, organ meats, refined grains, vegetable oils and juices, and soft drinks); and "Beverages" (characterized by high intakes of tap water, soft drinks, fruit juices, poultry and potatoes, and low alcohol consumption).
Higher consumption of foods in the Processed dietary pattern was associated with a significant risk of developing prostate cancer. Analysis of the questionnaires found that "the highest tertile of factor score for the Processed Diet pattern ... was associated with a >2.5-fold increased prostate cancer risk." The Traditional Western dietary pattern also showed a "slightly increased prostate cancer risk" at the highest tertile of consumption. In comparison, the Healthy Living and Beverages patterns demonstrated prostate cancer risks that were "consistently null or in the direction of a protective effect."
"These results support the idea that consumption of fruits, vegetables and poultry may be associated with decreased prostate cancer risk, and consumption of meat, refined grains and possibly soft drinks is associated with increased prostate cancer risk," the authors concluded. "Overall, the above findings are consistent with the results of previous studies that have investigated the relationship between prostate cancer risk and individual foods and nutrients."
Walker M, Aronson KJ, King W, et al. Dietary patterns and risk of prostate cancer in Ontario, Canada. International Journal of Cancer, Sept. 10, 2005;116:592-598.