Work

High body mass index increases the risk for prostate cancer and high Gleason score in northern Tanzania: data from prostate cancer screening

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: The association between body mass index (BMI) and prostate cancer (Pca) remains a controversial subject. Despite Pca being common in Tanzania, there is a scarcity of data on the role of BMI on Pca risk. This study aimed to assess the association between Pca and BMI among African men in Tanzania. Methods: ). A high Gleason score refers to any score of ≥4+3. Logistic regression was used to estimate the odd ratio of each BMI category for the risk of Pca and high Gleason score. Results: A total of 572 men underwent prostate biopsy after being found to have an elevated prostate-specific antigen of >4 ng/mL during screening. Of these, normal BMI accounted for 233 (40.7%), while overweight and obesity accounted for 153 (26.7%) and 141 (24.7%), respectively. In multivariate analysis, overweight men had significantly higher odds of being diagnosed with Pca (OR 6.95, 95% CI; 3.43-14.06) as compared to their normal-weight counterparts. The strength of the association became stronger among obese participants (OR 23.65, 95%CI; 11.45-48.87). Similarly, there was a significant increase in the odds of being diagnosed with high Gleason score Pca among obese men (OR 3.63, 95%CI; 1.52-8.70). Conclusion: Tanzanian men with elevated prostate-specific antigen and a high BMI have a significant risk of being diagnosed with Pca, mostly with a high Gleason score. Normal BMI maintenance might help in reducing the risk of developing Pca.

Source: ecancermedicalscience

DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2025.1898