When it comes to prostate cancer, the concern is valid. According to the American Cancer Society, it’s the most common cancer among men, besides skin cancer, and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men. However, the good news is that researchers believe they may have found a way to significantly cut your chances of dying from prostate cancer.
Weight Matters in Prostate Cancer Survival
According to a study by Kaiser Permanente from Pasadena, California, losing weight can reduce the likelihood of fatal prostate cancer by half. The research found that men who were overweight or obese when diagnosed with prostate cancer have a higher risk of dying from the disease compared to those who maintain a healthy weight.
Reina Haque, Ph.D., one of the researchers involved in the study, stated, “We found among patients undergoing surgical treatment for prostate cancer, weight at the time of diagnosis is more strongly correlated with prostate cancer survival than many other factors researchers have studied in the past, including some prostate cancer treatments.”
BMI and Prostate Cancer
To better understand the relationship between obesity and deadly prostate cancer, the study looked at men who died from the disease and compared their BMI (body mass index) at the time of diagnosis. While a clear biological reason for the link between obesity and prostate cancer prognosis is yet to be identified, the results conclusively revealed that men who died from prostate cancer were 50 percent more likely to be overweight or obese at diagnosis, compared to men who didn’t die from the cancer.
Furthermore, men with high Gleason scores (a measure of prostate cancer aggressiveness) had the strongest correlation between BMI and death at the time of diagnosis, notably those with scores of eight or higher. The Gleason score ranges from two to ten, with higher numbers indicating a greater likelihood of the cancer spreading.
The Importance of Weight Loss and Lifestyle Modifications
While these findings specifically establish the importance of weight loss in battling prostate cancer, the overarching message is that all of us must prioritize a healthier lifestyle. Losing weight and avoiding obesity can go a long way in improving your overall health and well-being. Moreover, future studies are expected to examine the effect of not only weight loss, but other lifestyle modifications on prostate cancer mortality.
Starting Your Weight Loss Journey
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight involves a combination of balanced eating and physical activity. Here are some tips to help you in your weight loss journey:
- Set realistic goals: Opt for sustainable changes that work for you in the long run instead of quick fixes.
- Make healthier food choices: Prioritize whole and unprocessed food such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and low-fat dairy products.
- Control portion sizes: Understand the serving size of your preferred food choices and consume them in moderation.
- Stay active: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week, combined with strength training exercises on two or more days per week.
- Track your progress: Regularly evaluating your progress can keep you motivated and help make adjustments to achieve your goals.
Seek Expert Guidance
If you’re struggling to get started with your weight loss journey or find it challenging to achieve the desired results, consult a healthcare professional or a nutrition expert. They can help you identify the areas to work on and devise a personalized plan to best suit your needs.
In conclusion, maintaining a healthy weight and adopting some basic lifestyle modifications can go a long way in not only cutting your chances of deadly prostate cancer by half but also in ensuring overall good health. So, isn’t it time that you took charge of your health by starting your weight loss journey today?
