Source: Journal of the National Cancer Institute, BBC Health

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed male cancer in the USA, and the country’s second biggest cancer killer, after lung cancer. 16 million males worldwide are cancer survivors; 2 million are American.

A recent publicized study now suggests that men who drink six or more cups a day are 20% less likely to develop any form of the disease.  They were also 60% less likely to develop an aggressive form which can spread to other parts of the body.  The study looked at about 48,000 men in the US who work as health professionals.  Every four years between 1986 and 2006, they were asked to report their average daily intake of coffee.  Even relatively small amounts of coffee – one to three cups per day – were found to lower the risk of lethal prostate cancer by 30%.  No difference was seen between caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee, suggesting caffeine itself was not the cause.  So what is it about coffee?

The study’s lead author, Kathryn Wilson is quoted as saying: “At present we lack an understanding of risk factors that can be changed or controlled to lower the risk of lethal prostate cancer. If our findings are validated, coffee could represent one modifiable factor that may lower the risk of developing the most harmful form of prostate cancer.”

Coffee apparently contains several compounds which have been found to regulate insulin, reduce swelling (inflammation), and act as antioxidants – all of which are also beneficial in reducing the risk of prostate cancer.

A recent study of some 6,000 Sweedish women suggests that drinking more than five cups a day halves a woman’s risk of aggressive breast cancer (estrogen receptor negative). Previous studies have also shown that coffee reduces the risk of developing diabetes type 2, gallstone disease, Parkinson’s disease, liver cancer, and cirrhosis of the liver.

Study Highlights:

  • Adult males who drank at least six cups of coffee a day had an almost 20% lower chance of developing any type of prostate cancer.
  • Those drinking at least six cups of coffee a day had a 60% lower chance of developing the aggressive/lethal form of prostate cancer.
  • The risk reduction was seen equally among both drinkers of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee.
  • Moderate coffee drinkers (1 to 3 cups per day) had a 30% lower chance of developing lethal prostate cancer

Obviously the authors add that further studies are needed to confirm their findings. If confirmed, then prostate cancer protection should be added to the benefits of regular coffee drinking.  So, maybe those $4 non-fat lattes you’ve been ordering for the past 2 years will finally pay off in unexpected ways.

Post: David M. Schwadron, Esquire