Abstract
Obese men have a higher rate of prostate cancer-related death than non-obese men, and obesity increases the risk of prostate cancer progression and biochemical recurrence. The purpose of this study was to assess needs and interests of men for a technology-driven weight loss intervention to reduce prostate cancer risk. We distributed a survey collecting demographic characteristics, health history, exercise and eating habits (and perception of those habits), current and prior attempts of health behavior change, and technology use. Survey answers were summarized by count and percent of total respondents. Completed surveys (N = 109) described men with a family history of prostate cancer (25%), a history of elevated prostate specific antigen (26%), and prostate cancer survivors (22%). We compared body mass index (BMI) to perception of weight; overweight and obese men perceived their weight as more normal than their BMI category suggests. Most men reported their diet needed minor improvement (74%), and 65% of men reported they are either currently trying to lose weight or interested in weight loss. Most respondents access the internet (92%), while text messaging (60%) and smartphone application use (40%) are less frequent, especially in men over 60. Our results revealed a need and willingness for lifestyle modification and suggest a need for evidence-based weight loss strategies and for addressing the misperception of weight status. A male-tailored intervention that implements technology could improve energy balance, hold men accountable to healthy behavior change, and promote dietary patterns in order to reduce prostate cancer risk.
Highlights
Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men (Siegel, Miller, & Jemal, 2015)
A meta-analysis of 26 studies found that overweight and obesity are responsible for approximately 12-20% of deaths from prostate cancer (Cao & Ma, 2011) For every 5 kg/m2 increase in body mass index (BMI), there was a concomitant increase in biochemical recurrence by 21%, and the risk of death from prostate cancer was increased by 15% (Cao & Ma, 2011)
A prior study at our facility found that men at increased risk of prostate cancer are interested in prostate cancer protective lifestyle modifications, and this finding led to the establishment of the Burns & McDonnell High Risk Prostate Prevention Program at KU Medical Center (Diggett et al, 2013)
Summary
Prostate cancer is the most common non-cutaneous cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer-related mortality in men (Siegel, Miller, & Jemal, 2015). A meta-analysis of 26 studies found that overweight and obesity are responsible for approximately 12-20% of deaths from prostate cancer (Cao & Ma, 2011) For every 5 kg/m2 increase in body mass index (BMI), there was a concomitant increase in biochemical recurrence by 21%, and the risk of death from prostate cancer was increased by 15% (Cao & Ma, 2011). Consumption of energy-dense foods (>125 kcal/100g) correlates with an increased risk of highly aggressive prostate cancer (Arab et al, 2013). Weight loss interventions may reduce men’s risk of prostate cancer, but well-designed clinical trials are needed to test this hypothesis. Since weight management is more commonly studied in women, less is understood about successful lifestyle interventions in men (Pagoto et al, 2012). We know that men are motivated to lose weight for health benefits rather than improved appearance, and they prefer to use physical www.ccsenet.org/cco
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