Association of Prostate Cancer with Nuts, Seeds, Alcohol and Processed Meats: A Worldwide Population-Based Study

Abstract

There are conflicting data with regards to the link between diet and the prostate cancer. The purpose of this study was to assess the association of dietary factors with incidence, prevalence and mortality rates of prostate cancer worldwide. We conducted an ecological study including 170 countries, whose data on incidence, prevalence and mortality rates of prostate cancer, dietary factors, and potentially confounding factors were available and collected in May 2020. Univariable and multivariable linear regression analyses were used. Consumption of nuts and seeds was inversely associated with incidence, prevalence and mortality rates of prostate cancer (β −0.7, P < 0.001; β −2.1, P < 0.001; β −0.1, P = 0.02; respectively). Intake of alcohol was associated with increased incidence, prevalence and mortality rates of prostate cancer (β 1.8, P < 0.001; β 4.5, P < 0.001; β 0.4, P < 0.001; respectively). Consumption of processed meats was also associated with increased incidence and prevalence rates of prostate cancer (β 0.6, P = 0.003; β 2.8, P = 0.001; respectively). These data suggest that consumption of nuts and seeds have a protective effect against prostate carcinogenesis, progression, and metastasis, while alcohol and processed meat increase these risks.