Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is the enlargement of the prostate gland that commonly occurs in aging men. In some men, BPH can cause problems in the urinary system, including infection or impaired kidney function, but the majority of men with BPH do not experience complications. However, if you have a history of high cholesterol, your risk of prostate complications or cancer increases.
High Cholesterol
Cholesterol is a fatlike substance created by your body to aid in the production of hormones, absorption of vitamins and to protect cells. Your body makes all of the cholesterol it needs to serve these functions. However, a diet high in fat and low in plant-based foods can increase the cholesterol in your bloodstream. High cholesterol causes plaque to accumulate in your blood vessels, which can eventually block the flow of blood to and from your heart. High blood cholesterol is linked to arterial disease, stroke, heart attack and increased cancer risk.
Prostate and Cholesterol Research
Early cholesterol and prostate studies suggested that low cholesterol was linked to a high risk of cancer. Repeated testing of this theory found the distinction between types of cholesterol as factors in cancer risk. Low levels of high-density lipoprotein also called "good" cholesterol increase cancer risk, according to a 2009 observational study published in "Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention." Conversely, high levels of low-density lipoprotein, or "bad" cholesterol, increase risk of prostate cancer, according to a 2006 study published in the "Annals of Oncology." Furthermore, a 2011 study from the "Journal of the National Cancer Institute" confirms that statin medications used to lower high cholesterol may also treat patients with high-grade prostate cancer. However, research is ongoing to determine effectiveness.
Prostate Enlargement, Prevention and Treatment
As you age, non-life threatening prostate enlargement may occur. Symptoms include urinary disturbance, frequent need to urinate or blood in the urine. You may not be able to prevent prostate enlargement, but you can get treatment to deter cancer cell formation. Common treatment for enlargement includes medications to relax the bladder or shrink the prostate. Your physician may also recommend minor lifestyle changes, including reduced alcohol and caffeine intake, limiting use of over-the-counter medicines that impact your urine flow and staying active to reduce urinary problems. If you have other medical conditions, managing your health is also important for preventing cancer cell growth.
Managing High Cholesterol
High cholesterol is manageable and mostly preventable with lifestyle and dietary changes. Reduce your risk of health complications such as prostate cancer by following physician recommendations to get your high cholesterol within a healthy range. Limit fatty foods like red meat, whole dairy and fried foods. Eat lean meats including fish, baked or grilled poultry and low-fat dairy in addition to several daily servings of fruits, vegetables and grains. Exercise regularly to boost your good cholesterol levels, and if you are overweight, talk to your physician about a weight loss program.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Prostate Gland Enlargement; Dec. 11, 2009
- "Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention"; Prediagnostic Total and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Risk of Cancer; Jiyoung Ahn et al; Nov. 8, 2009
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention"; Men With Low Serum Cholesterol Have a Lower Risk of High-Grade Prostate Cancer...; Elizabeth A. Platz et al.; Nov. 8, 2009
- National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute; High Blood Cholesterol; July 2011
- "Annals of Oncology"; Self-reported History of Hypercholesterolaemia and Gallstones and the Risk of Prostate Cancer; F. Bravi et al.; February 2006
- "Journal of the National Cancer Institute"; Statins and Prostate Cancer Diagnosis...; Wildon R. Farwell et al.; February 2011
