Nutrition and Prostate Cancer
Obesity increases the risk of prostate cancer mortality. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men and the second most common cause of cancer-related mortality in men. Obesity prevalence does not differ between men and women; however, strategies for weight control have focused almost entirely on women.
About our Nutrition Study for Prostate Cancer
Data suggests that men respond better to a program targeted towards their needs and bent (i.e., related to masculinity), emphasizing competition, autonomy, technology, cost savings and male-specific values or barriers to change.
The relationship between obesity and fatal prostate cancer is established, but it is unknown if losing weight reduces the risk of prostate cancer and associated mechanisms responsible for the reduced risk. Furthermore, we expect that non-cancer health benefits from the diet intervention will substantially improve overall patient outcomes (QOL, CVD risk, glycemic control). This was a pilot study with a goal to better understand the influence of energy balance on prostate cancer progression.
Initial Findings and Next Steps
Based on findings from our pilot study, PCa GRIT, the Weight-management Aimed to Reduce Risk and Improve Outcomes from Radical Prostatectomy (WARRIOR) study tests the impact of weight management on obesity-driven immune and inflammatory biomarkers for prostate cancer recurrence, death and quality of life. The goal of this study is to help men live longer after prostate surgery while improving their quality of life and helping to prevent cancer from ever returning.
Jill Hamilton-Reeves, PhD, RD, CSO, a registered and licensed dietitian with doctoral training in translational and clinical nutrition science, is the principal investigator and leads the EDGE lab.
Ready to Enroll?
Enrollment for this study is currently open. For questions or to see if you are a candidate, email Misty Bechtel.