Last April, during the 2016 Annual Conference of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the results from a study establishing a relationship between obesity and prostate cancer were presented.

In fact, it has demonstrated that fat is enhancing the activity of a gene called MYC, which stimulates the multiplication of cells, mostly cancer cells from some cancer types.

Cancer’s Mechanisms

Cancer can be a lethal disease, since a tumor absorbs in some way all the resources the body needs to function, such as vitamins and other nutrients, energy, oxygen, and even available space. It is without speaking of the time it can take away to the sick person’s life.

Yet, it seems like a high fat diet contributes to nourish cancer cells, thus accelerating the disease’s progression. Consequently, many studies have concluded that there is a link between obesity and a high risk of lethal prostate cancer. For some reasons still unknown, that risk seems even higher among African-American men.

MYC gene’s role

With the appearance of some cancers, particularly prostate cancer, the MYC gene is known to create significant metabolic changes, which are easing the progression of the tumors. In this way, the tissues are not affected by the gene when there are no cancer cells.

However, since the MYC gene has great metabolic impacts, the lifestyle also has effects on the way the gene works. It is why a high fat diet and a low level of physical activities are increasing this gene’s activities regarding cancer cells.

Consequently, sick people who are showing significant metabolic changes caused by the MYC gene, mostly those suffering from obesity, often have mortality risks three to four times higher than a man with prostate cancer who follows a healthy and balanced diet.

In short, risks associated with this gene are another reason to keep good habits to reduce the effects of prostate cancer, and the summer season seems like a perfect time to move on or keep going on with your efforts!

Adopting a Healthy Lifestyle – How to lose the body fat?

Benefits of Good Nutrition and Exercise on Prostate Cancer

Source: PCF