Ultra-Processed Food and Prostate Cancer Risk: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background/Objectives: Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among American men, following lung cancer. While diet and exercise have been extensively studied in relation to prostate cancer prevention, the evidence remains inconclusive. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed to identify observational studies investigating the association between ultra-processed food (UPF) consumption and prostate cancer risk and mortality, determined by the NOVA classification system. In addition, we conducted subgroup analyses to assess the association based on study design, age, and data collection methods. Results: Six studies were identified, including four cohort studies and two case-control studies. No significant association was found between high UPF consumption and increased risk of prostate cancer [RR = 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.96-1.08, n = 5]. However, there was a slight increase in mortality (RR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.99-1.35, n = 2). A subgroup analysis by the dietary assessment method revealed an RR of 1.01 (95% CI = 0.93-1.09) for studies using the food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) and 1.04 (95% CI = 0.93-1.16) for studies using 24-h recalls. There was no significant heterogeneity among the studies (I2 = 0, p = 0.82). Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests no significant association between high UPF consumption and prostate cancer risk. Given the known associations with other chronic diseases, the potential public health implications of reducing UPF consumption remain important. Further research with the use of more robust food assignment systems and more precise dietary assessments is needed to clarify the role of UPF in prostate cancer development.