Coffee and Prostate Cancer

It's nine a.m. on a Tuesday morning. The eight hour work day is waiting for you. You're still feeling groggy, exhausted and restless. Right about now is when you're probably reaching for your first cup of coffee. The familiar aroma of coffee gives you that kick you need to stay awake and alert throughout the day. But did you know that coffee might be doing much more for you than giving you that much-needed caffeine fix? Let's learn more about close relationship of coffee and prostate cancer.

Scientific Studies About Coffee and Prostate Cancer

According to a study published in the journal Cancer Causes and Control, four or more cups of coffee a day could reduce the risk of prostate cancer recurrence and disease progression.

The study, conducted by researchers from Fred Hutchinson Research Center, included 1,001 men who lived in King County, Washington and were diagnosed with prostate cancer (Learn how to prevent Prostate Cancer with Diet) between the ages of 35 and 74. In the two years before their prostate cancer diagnosis, participants were asked to fill out a food frequency questionnaire and provide information regarding their diet and beverage consumption. Additionally, participants were asked to provide information regarding their demographic, lifestyle, family history of cancer, medication use and prostate cancer screening(Learn more about Prostate Cancer Screening) history. Researchers followed up with participants five years after their diagnosis to determine whether the cancer returned or progressed.

The Results

The men who drank four or more cups of coffee a day had 59% less risk of prostate cancer recurrence or progression than those whose coffee consumption was just one cup a week or less."Our study differs from previous ones because we used a composite definition of prostate cancer recurrence/progression," study researcher Milan Geybels said in a statement. Since the study only found an association rather than proof of causation, researchers added that further research is needed to determine exactly how coffee may have effects against prostate cancer. However, they noted that biological activities linked to consumption of phytochemical compounds found in coffee can have "anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects."Researchers also evaluated any potential links between tea-drinking and prostate cancer, but did not find any associations.