Men who gained about 27 pounds before hitting the big 3-0 were 27% more likely to die of prostate cancer in old age, as compared to those who maintained their teenage weight, a study has found.

The study, which is yet to be published in a peer-reviewed journal, has been running for decades, with data from 250,000 Swedish men strongly indicating the association between men experiencing weight gain during their prime years of health and the development of prostate cancer, according to The Guardian.

Those who witnessed an annual weight gain of at least half a kilogram between the ages of 17 and 60 faced a 10% elevated risk of aggressive prostate cancer and a 29% risk of the condition turning fatal.

Furthermore, gaining weight more rapidly, particularly during 17 to 29 years of age, is associated with an increased risk of aggressive and fatal prostate cancer. The study notes that men who put on 28 pounds (about 13 kg) between the ages of 17 and 29 face a 13% higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer and a 27% higher risk of fatal prostate cancer.

These findings contribute to the overall understanding of the connection between weight gain and prostate cancer. It also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the ideal body weight during the crucial stages of life.

Out of the 258,477 Swedish men who participated in the study, 23,348 individuals were diagnosed with prostate cancer, 4,790 of whom succumbed to the disease. The average age at diagnosis was 70 years.

"Knowing more about the factors that cause prostate cancer is key to preventing it," Marisa da Silva, of the Department of translational medicine at Lund University, told The Guardian. "We do not know if it is the weight gain itself or the long duration of being heavier that is the main driver of the association that we see. Nevertheless, one must gain weight to become heavier, so preventing a steep increase in weight in young men is imperative for the prevention of prostate cancer."

Weight gain, particularly during young adulthood, may be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, possibly influenced by a growth hormone, Da Silva explained to UPI.

However, more research is required to determine the exact relationship between weight gain and prostate cancer risk.

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Scientists have now come up with a new technology that involves cancer diagnosis through a simple urine test. pixabay