Vasectomy. Because testosterone levels remain higher for a longer period in men who had vasectomy, experts have postulated that such men have a greater chance for developing the cancer. A 2002 review of 22 studies indicated a higher risk with vasectomy, but most recent studies are reporting no higher danger. A rigorous 2002 study from New Zealand, for example, which has the highest vasectomy rates in the world, found no increased risk of prostate cancer from the procedure, even 25 years after the operation. A 2002 study in California, in fact, reported a lower risk for prostate cancer in men who had had vasectomies. It is possible that the higher rates reported in the early studies may simply be due to earlier prostate screening in men who have had vasectomies. Indeed, one study reported that about 25% of doctors screened men with vasectomies earlier for prostate cancer than those without the operation. [For more information, see In-Depth Report #37: Vasectomy.]
 | Click the icon to see an illustrated series detailing a vasectomy. |
 | Click the icon to see an animation on vasectomy. |
Dietary Factors
A Western lifestyle is associated with prostate cancer, so obesity, high-meat intake, and dietary fats have been intensively studied. Results have been inconsistent, however. Certain factors, such as cancer-causing compounds in well-cooked meat or high-calorie intake, may help explain the associations between such dietary factors and cancer risk.
 | Click the icon to see an image on different types of weight gain. |
Fats. Some, but not all, studies have found some association between high fat-intake and prostate cancer. This association may be explained by other suspected dietary factors for prostate cancer, such high-calorie diet, high meat intake, and calcium (found in dairy products), which are all also associated with fat intake. The effects of specific fatty acids (compounds that make up fats) may also help clarify the role of fats in prostate cancer. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish (EPA and DHA) and the omega-3 fatty acids found in certain vegetables (ALA) can all protect the heart, but they may have different effects on the prostate.
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