Positive Health Online

Abstract

KING and others, Cancer Prevention Program, Division of Public Health Sciences, Public Health Sciences Laboratories, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, 1100 Fairview Avenue North, Suite M-5A864, Seattle WA 98109-1024, USA, iking@fhcrc.org, have found that the levels of trans-fatty acids in the blood are related to an increased risk for prostate cancer.

Background

Trans-fatty acids have been associated with an increased risk of breast and colon cancer. The aim of this study was to examine a link between trans-fatty acids and prostate cancer.

Methodology

Using data from the beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial, this nested case-control study examined the relationships between serum phospholipid trans-fatty acids and prostate cancer incidence in 272 case and 426 control men. Trans-fatty acids were measured using organic extraction followed by separations with TLC and gas chromatography. Adjusted odds ratios for risk of prostate cancer with increasing levels of trans-fatty acids were calculated using logistic regression.

Results

There were consistent trends for increased risk of prostate cancer with increasing levels of C18 trans-fatty acids but not C16 trans-fatty acids. The odds ratios for the highest vs, lowest quartile of C18 trans-fatty acids were around 1.7.

Conclusion

Conclusions: It appears that trans-fatty acids are associated with an increased risk for prostate cancer, although additional studies are needed to confirm the trend found in this paper.

References

King IB, Kristal AR, Schaffer S, Thornquist M, Goodman GE. Serum trans-fatty acids are associated with risk of prostate cancer in beta-Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention 14 (4): 988-992, Apr 2005.

Comment

In view of the increased incidence of prostate cancer, the above nutritionally-related research demonstrate the positive effects of healthy diet and nutritional supplements upon diminishing risk of prostate cancer.