When Asian and Hispanic people move to wealthier countries like the United States or Canada, they tend to gain weight over time, and this weight gain appears connected to an increased risk of prostate cancer. Scientists reviewed research to understand why this happens. They found that certain genes related to weight gain become more active when people gain weight, and these genes may trigger changes that help cancer grow and spread. The good news is that diet changes, exercise, and certain medications might help prevent this problem.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Why Asian and Hispanic immigrants to North America develop more prostate cancer after moving, and whether weight gain and specific genes are responsible
  • Who participated: This was a review of existing studies, not a new experiment. Researchers looked at data from Asian and Hispanic immigrants living in North America and other wealthy countries
  • Key finding: After about 10 years or more of living in wealthier countries, immigrants often gain significant weight, and this weight gain activates genes that appear to increase prostate cancer risk by causing inflammation and changes in cancer cells
  • What it means for you: If you’re an immigrant or from these communities, being aware of weight gain risks and maintaining healthy habits may help reduce prostate cancer risk. However, this research shows connections, not definite proof, so talk to your doctor about your personal risk

The Research Details

This was a review study, meaning scientists didn’t conduct new experiments themselves. Instead, they carefully read and analyzed many existing studies about cancer rates, deaths, and health problems in Asian and Hispanic immigrants living in North America and other wealthy countries. They looked for patterns in the data to understand what might be causing the increase in prostate cancer.

The researchers focused on understanding the biological mechanisms—basically, the step-by-step process inside the body that might explain why immigrants develop more cancer. They examined which genes become active when people gain weight and how those genes might encourage cancer growth.

This approach is valuable because it helps scientists understand the ‘why’ behind a health problem they’ve observed. When immigrant populations move to wealthier countries, their cancer rates change dramatically, which suggests something about the new environment or lifestyle is important. By studying genes and biological processes, researchers can identify what might be changed through diet, exercise, or medicine to prevent cancer

This is a review article, which means it summarizes existing research rather than presenting new experimental data. The strength of the conclusions depends on the quality of the studies reviewed. The research identifies plausible biological pathways but doesn’t prove cause-and-effect relationships. Readers should know this represents expert interpretation of existing evidence, not definitive proof

What the Results Show

The main finding is that obesity rates among Asian and Hispanic immigrants increase dramatically after about 10 years of living in wealthier countries, sometimes exceeding the obesity rates of people born in North America. This weight gain appears to activate specific genes—particularly genes called Insulin, FTO (fat mass and obesity gene), and IGF-1—that are directly linked to obesity.

When these genes become active due to weight gain, they trigger a chain reaction in the body. The genes cause increased inflammation (the body’s immune system becoming overactive), which produces substances that can reach prostate tissue and encourage cancer cells to grow, spread, and move to other parts of the body. This process is called epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, which essentially means cancer cells become more aggressive and mobile.

The research suggests that obesity in immigrant populations acts like a natural experiment, showing researchers how weight gain and specific genes work together to increase cancer risk. The genes involved in obesity are particularly active in the tissue surrounding the prostate, making this area especially vulnerable to cancer development and progression.

The review also noted that other cancers besides prostate cancer increase in immigrant populations, suggesting that the weight gain and gene activation process affects cancer risk more broadly. The research indicates that comorbidities—other health problems that occur alongside obesity, like diabetes and heart disease—are also more common in these populations and may contribute to cancer risk through similar biological pathways

Previous research has shown that immigrant populations experience increased cancer rates after moving to wealthier countries, but the specific biological reasons weren’t well understood. This review builds on that knowledge by proposing a detailed mechanism involving specific genes and inflammation. It connects what scientists already knew about obesity and cancer risk to the specific experience of immigrant populations, helping explain why the effect appears so dramatic in these groups

This is a review of existing studies, not new research, so the conclusions are only as strong as the studies reviewed. The research identifies biological pathways that appear plausible but doesn’t definitively prove that these genes cause the increased cancer risk. Individual studies reviewed may have had different methods and quality levels. The review cannot account for all factors that might differ between immigrants and non-immigrants, such as healthcare access, screening practices, or other lifestyle factors beyond weight gain

The Bottom Line

For Asian and Hispanic immigrants and their families: maintain a healthy weight through balanced diet and regular exercise, as this may reduce the activation of cancer-promoting genes (moderate confidence). Consider discussing prostate cancer screening with your doctor, especially if you’ve gained weight since immigrating (moderate confidence). Some research suggests that GLP-1 agonist medications (used for weight loss and diabetes) may help, but only use these under medical supervision (lower confidence, needs more research). These recommendations should complement, not replace, guidance from your healthcare provider

This research is most relevant for Asian and Hispanic men living in or planning to move to wealthier countries, and their families. Men with a family history of prostate cancer should pay special attention. Healthcare providers working with immigrant populations should be aware of this increased risk. The findings may also be relevant to other immigrant groups experiencing similar weight gain patterns. People already diagnosed with prostate cancer should discuss these findings with their oncologist

Weight gain typically develops over 10 years or more after immigration, suggesting that cancer risk increases gradually. This means there’s a window of time to prevent or slow weight gain through lifestyle changes. Benefits from diet and exercise changes may take months to years to show effects on cancer risk, though weight loss itself can happen more quickly. Medication effects would need to be discussed with a doctor

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track weekly weight and waist circumference measurements, along with daily steps or exercise minutes. Set a goal to maintain or gradually reduce weight to a healthy range for your height. Monitor these metrics monthly to identify trends early
  • Use the app to log daily meals and physical activity, aiming for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week and a balanced diet rich in vegetables and whole grains. Set reminders for regular health checkups and prostate cancer screenings as recommended by your doctor
  • Review weight trends quarterly and adjust diet and exercise goals if needed. Schedule annual check-ins with your healthcare provider to discuss cancer risk factors and screening. Track any changes in health markers like blood sugar or cholesterol that might indicate metabolic changes

This research review identifies biological connections between weight gain, specific genes, and prostate cancer risk in immigrant populations, but does not prove definitive cause-and-effect relationships. The findings suggest associations and plausible mechanisms rather than established facts. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. All individuals, especially those at higher risk, should consult with qualified healthcare providers about personal cancer risk, screening recommendations, and treatment options. Anyone considering weight loss medications or major lifestyle changes should discuss these with their doctor first. This review does not constitute medical diagnosis or treatment recommendations