Genetics may explain why calcium increases risk for prostate cancer

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2011-09/wfbm-gme091611.php

Public release date: 16-Sep-2011
Contact: Jessica Guenzel
Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center
Genetics may explain why calcium increases risk for prostate cancer
Researchers target gene common among African-American men

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Sept. 16, 2011 – A study by epidemiologists at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center and colleagues suggests that a high intake of calcium causes prostate cancer among African-American men who are genetically good absorbers of the mineral.

"High dietary intake of calcium has long been linked to prostate cancer but the explanation for this observation has been elusive," said Gary G. Schwartz, Ph.D., associate professor of cancer biology, urology, and public health sciences at Wake Forest Baptist and co-author on the study.

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The results pose somewhat of a "conundrum," said Sue Ann Ingles, Dr.P.H., associate professor of preventive medicine at USC and principal investigator of the study. Although calcium appears to increase risk for prostate cancer, it is essential for bone health and appears to protect against colorectal cancer, she said.

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