High Cholesterol Linked with Prostate Cancer Return

In a recent study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a correlation seems to have been established between cholesterol markers and the return of prostate cancer in affected individuals. Over 800 men were studied after receiving surgery for prostate cancer. A review of these cases indicates that men with higher levels of cholesterol and triglycerides were at a greater risk of recurrence.

Study Findings:

- Men with triglyceride levels of 150mg/dL or more had a 35 percent increased risk of  prostate cancer recurrence

- Every 10mg/dL increase in cholesterol over 200mg/dL increases the risk of prostate cancer return by 9%

This new information can help to identify individuals at risk of prostate cancer which is the second most common cause of cancer deaths among American men. There was also a correlation between increases in good cholesterol showing a 39% decrease in recurrence for a 10mg/dL increase of HDL. However, researchers have indicated that there is only a correlation in the numbers and that reducing cholesterol is not a strategy for avoiding prostate cancer recurrence.