Evaluating the impact of body mass and physical activity in prostate cancer

This study aimed to investigate the link between high body mass index (BMI; a measurement of body fat based on weight in relation to height) and physical exercise with prostate cancer outcomes. This study found that higher BMI increased the risk for locally advanced, high-risk prostate cancer, but did not impact treatment outcomes. 

An increased BMI and decreased amounts of physical activity are risk factors in developing prostate cancer. It is unclear if they can increase the risk of high-risk prostate cancer or if it can lead to a higher rate of recurrence after treatment.

This study aimed to investigate the link between high BMI and lack of exercise with the return of prostate cancer after treatment. Data were collected from four different centers in Canada and included 1813 patients. They were followed up for an average of 69 months. 

This study found that higher BMI increased the risk for locally advanced, high-risk prostate cancer. Patients with a higher BMI also had a larger prostate at surgery. However, there was no difference regarding recurrence rates between patients with normal or high BMI. Physical activity was not related to the risk of developing locally advanced, high-risk prostate cancer or recurrence rate. 

This study found that higher BMI increased the risk for locally advanced, high-risk prostate cancer, but did not impact outcomes after treatment.

The BMI and physical activity reported in this study were self-reported. This may impact the results of the study.