Risk factors for prostate cancer: An hospital-based case-control study from Mumbai, India

BACKGROUND: In India, prostate cancer is one of the five leading sites of cancers among males in all the registries. Very little is known about risk factors for prostate cancer among the Indian population. OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to study the association of lifestyle factors like chewing (betel leaf with or without tobacco, pan masala, gutka), smoking (bidi, cigarette), comorbid conditions, diet, body mass index (BMI), family history, vasectomy with prostate cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This an unmatched hospital-based case-control study, comprised of 123 histologically proven prostate ‘cancer cases’ and 167 ‘normal controls. Univariate and regression analysis were applied for obtaining the odds ratio for risk factors. RESULTS: The study revealed that there was no significant excess risk for chewers, alcohol drinkers, tea and coffee drinkers, family history of cancer, diabetes, vasectomy and dietary factors. However, patients with BMI >25 (OR = 2.1), those with hypertension history (OR = 2.5) and age >55 years (OR = 19.3) had enhanced risk for prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study age, BMI and hypertension emerged as risk factors for prostate cancer. The findings of this study could be useful to conduct larger studies in a more detailed manner which in turn can be useful for public interest domain.