Tag Archives: cancer

Fried Foods Bad for Prostate

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.

 

 

Sugary Drinks Increase Risk of Cancer

In a study published three weeks ago, researchers from France looked at the relationship between the consumption of sugary drinks and the risk of cancer.

The average American consumes about 45 gallons of soda each year. An average 12 ounce can of soda contains upwards of 40 grams of total sugar, or about nine teaspoons of sugar.

A population-based prospective cohort study was completed with over 100,000 subjects from the French NutriNet-Sante study. Participants were 18 years of age and older, with a predominance of women (79%) to men (21%). Mean age at baseline was 42 years.

The sugary drink group consisted of energy drinks, fruit drinks, sodas, sports drinks, 100% juice drinks, among others. Consumption of sugary beverages was assessed by 24 hour dietary records. Association of beverage intake and risk of overall, breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer was assessed.

The researchers found that there was a positive association between the amount of sugary drink intake, and risk of overall cancer and breast cancer. Also, when looking specifically at 100% fruit juices these were also positively associated with risk of overall cancer.

Interestingly, the researchers did not find an association between artificially sweetened beverage consumption and the risk of cancer.

The researchers suggest several possible mechanisms by which sugary drinks may increase cancers risks. These include obesity, increased visceral fat, higher glycemic index, and increased pro-inflammatory markers.

This is a solid study, which included nearly 80,000 women. This study demonstrates how a simple dietary intervention, in this case limiting sugary beverages including 100% juices, may potentially have a meaningful impact on our health. Perhaps next time you are reaching for a soda, grab a glass of water instead.

“I can remember a reporter asking me for a quote, and I didn’t know what a quote was. I thought it was some kind of soft drink.” –  Joe DiMaggio

(Source- BMJ 2019; 365:12408)

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.

 

 

Tea Lowers Risks of Oral Cancers

April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, and in recognition of this today’s post will examine recent research on the consumption of tea and risk of oral cancer.

Statistics from the American Cancer Society estimate about 53,000 Americans will develop oral cavity or oropharyngeal cancer in 2019. It is also estimated that nearly 11,000 will die from these types of cancer. The main risk factors appear to be tobacco use, alcohol, and HPV infection.

A recent study was performed by a group of researchers in China. They performed a review and meta-analysis of 14 case-control studies, examining the role between tea consumption and oral cancers. These studies included participants from the Africa, Asia, Europe and the US.

The researchers discovered that increased tea consumption was associated with a decreased risk of oral cancer. A dose-response analysis indicated that the risk of oral cancer was decreased when the dose and duration of tea consumption was increased. For example, with every cup of tea intake increased, the risk of oral cancer dropped by 6.2%.

Tea is known to contain many bioactive compounds, such as catechins. Catechins are flavonoid compounds, and have antioxidant properties. It is thought that catechins have anti-carcinogenic properties as well, and hence may be one of the compounds in tea that work to lower cancer risk.

The 5 year survival rate of oral cancers is about 65%. Early detection is the key to the survivability from many types of cancers, as is avoidance of known risk factors. Given the results of this study, perhaps consider tea as a healthy beverage of choice.

“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me.”– C.S. Lewis

(Source- Medicine (2018) 97:51)

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.