[Frontiers in Bioscience S3, 594-605, January 1, 2011]

Obesity and prostate cancer: collateral damage in the battle of the bulge

Jean-Alfred Thomas, II1, Stephen J. Freedland1,2,3

1Division of Urologic Surgery, Department of Surgery and the Duke Prostate Center, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 2Department of Surgery, Veterans Administration Medical Center Durham, Durham, NC, 3Department of Pathology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Obesity and risk of prostate cancer diagnosis
4. Obesity and prostate cancer detection
5. Obesity and oncological outcomes
6. Obesity and prostate cancer-specific mortality
7. Obesity, hormones and prostate cancer
8. Conclusion
9. Acknowledgement
10. References

1. ABSTRACT

Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous malignancy diagnosed in US men. With the increasing prevalence of obesity, it is of interest how this condition impacts prostate cancer. However, only recently has the relationship between obesity and prostate cancer been earnestly studied by investigators. Indeed, the relationship between obesity and prostate cancer appears to be complex one. Therefore, we sought to review the most recent and relevant epidemiological data discussing the link between prostate cancer and obesity. In this review, we will discuss both "biological" and "non-biological" means by which obesity may potentially impact prostate cancer.