Dr Aurora Perez-Cornago [Oxford], who led the study, said: “We found a significant association between concentration of body fat around the belly and waist and the risk of prostate cancer death, but no clear association between total body fat and risk of prostate cancer death.
“However, a larger number of cases in this study together with studies in other populations are needed to confirm these findings.”
She added: “A high BMI increases the risk of other diseases, including other types of cancer, so people should consider the implications of excess body fat wherever it is found in the body.”
Dr Perez-Cornago explained that waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio were a better marker of “visceral fat” than BMI.
“This is the most dangerous fat because this fat is located around the vital organs,” she said.
“It’s associated with metabolic and hormonal dysfunction and this is what may play a role in prostate cancer progression.”
She said the message to men was to exercise and eat a healthy diet to ensure they maintain a healthy weight and lower waist circumference.