September is designated National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and September 24th is Prostate Cancer Awareness Day. In recognition of this, today’s post will discuss research which examines the intake of deep fried foods and risk of prostate cancer.

Data from the National Cancer Institute estimates that there will be nearly 175,000 new cases of prostate cancer in the U.S. in 2019, and nearly 32,000 deaths. It is the 2nd most common cancer among men, second only to lung and bronchus cancers. The most common risk factor for prostate cancer is advancing age. Prostate cancer is more common among African-American men, who are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as white men are.

It has been documented that when immigrants from Asian countries, which generally have low prostate cancer incidence, move to the U.S., their prostate cancer rates increase significantly within one generation, indicating perhaps some dietary or environmental exposure at work.

A group of researchers affiliated with the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center and the School of Public Health at the University of Washington performed an interesting study, examining the relationship between intake of deep fried foods and subsequent risk of prostate cancer. Researchers used data from two population-based case-control studies, comprised of residents of Kings County, Washington. There were slightly over 1500 cases, and nearly as many in the control group. The two groups were similar in age, body mass index, education level, and race.

Participants in the study were given a food frequency questionnaire, which assessed the use of butter, margarine, oil or other fat in cooking. The food frequency questionnaire also queried about intake of doughnuts, french fries, fried chicken, fried fish, and snack chips.

The researchers discovered that compared with the reference intake (less than once per month), intake of doughnuts once per week or more was associated with a 35% increased risk of prostate cancer, while intake of french fries once per week or more was associated with a 37% increased risk of prostate cancer. Similarly, intake of fried chicken once per week or more was associated with a 30% increased risk of prostate cancer, and fried fish had a 32% increased risk.

In addition, the researchers discovered that increased fried food intake was associated with more aggressive prostate cancer. Compared to the reference intake of less than once per month, intake of doughnuts once per week or more was associated with a 38% increased risk of more aggressive prostate cancer, while the intake of french fries weekly or more was associated with a 41% increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Similarly, the intake of fried chicken once per week or more was associated with a 30% increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer, while fried fish had a 41% increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

Interestingly, there did not appear to be a relationship between intake of snack chips and development of prostate cancer. However, intake of snack chips once a week or more was associated with a 14% increased risk of more aggressive prostate cancer.

It is not entirely clear what is the mechanism between fried foods and prostate cancer. Certainly fried foods are pro-inflammatory, which could be a possible mechanism. Deep fried foods have high levels of advanced glycation endproducts, which are also pro-inflammatory. Another possibility is the substance acrylamide, a known carcinogen, which is found after deep frying common foods. 

It should be no surprise that the foods we eat regularly have an effect on our health, as the old adage “You are what you eat” suggested. This is not a new concept. For instance in traditional Chinese Medicine food is thought to be a form of medicine. So, next time you are reaching for that doughnut, go for something healthy instead.

“Don’t eat fried food, it angries up the blood”– Satchel Paige

(Source- The Prostate, 2013)

This blog is a review of published medical and scientific literature, and should only be used for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical or health advice, nor does it create a physician-patient relationship with anyone. Discuss any health concerns with your personal physician.