Obesity, endogenous hormone metabolism, and prostate cancer risk: a conundrum of "highs" and "lows".

This perspective on the report by Neuhouser et al. (beginning on page 279 in this issue of the journal) examines the associations that have been observed between body mass index, serum insulin, preexisting diabetes, androgen metabolism, and prostate cancer risk. Based on data of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial, the observations by Neuhouser et al. plus findings from other studies suggest a complex mix of higher and lower risks for high- and low-grade cancer in association with obesity and endogenous hormone metabolism.