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Obesity, smoking increased risk for prostate cancer–specific mortality

Issue: May 25, 2010

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Using data collected from the Physicians’ Health Study, researchers from Boston and Montreal concluded that for every 5 kg/m² increase in BMI at baseline the risk for prostate cancer–specific death increased by more than 50%.

Similarly, patients who smoked saw their risk for prostate cancer increase by 55%, said Jing Ma, MD, PhD, associate professor of medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

“BMI was significantly associated with future risk for prostate cancer death,” she said. “In a similar fashion, smoking was associated with an increased risk of dying for all-cause mortality as well as each individual reason for death. Tobacco smoking is a risk factor for all-cause mortality, including prostate cancer–related mortality.”

Ma and colleagues reviewed data on 2,715 men diagnosed with prostate cancer from 1982 to 2009. Baseline C-peptide levels in plasma were available for 827 patients.

During the 27 years of follow-up, 33% of patients with prostate cancer died — 11% from prostate cancer, 6% from cardiovascular disease and 16% from other causes.

Multivariate analysis showed that for every 5 kg/m² increase in BMI from baseline, risk for cancer-specific death increased by 52% (95% CI, 1.23-1.89). Risk for death from CVD (HR=1.35; 95% CI, 0.98-1.86) and overall death (HR=1.24; 95% CI, 1.08-1.41) also increased as weight increased.

Current smokers at baseline had a higher risk for disease-specific mortality (HR=1.67; 95% CI, 1.15-2.44), death from CVD (HR=2.39; 95% CI, 1.46-3.91) and overall mortality (HR=2.08; 95% CI, 1.68-2.59) compared with those who never smoked.

“Elevated BMI and tobacco use expose men to a significantly higher risk for death from prostate cancer and all-cause mortality,” Ma said. “These data underscore the need for implementing effective preventive strategies for weight control and reducing tobacco use in both healthy men and prostate cancer patients.”

For more information:

• Ma J. #901. Presented at: AACR 101st Annual Meeting; April 17-21; Washington, D.C.