Relationship between infection or inflammation of prostate and risk of prostate cancer: a cross-sectional population-based study

BACKGROUND: The association between infection or inflammation of prostate and the risk of prostate cancer (PCa) remains a contentious issue. This article aims to assess the relationship between infection or inflammation of prostate and the risk of PCa. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study utilizing the 2001-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data. The dataset encompasses 7,981 male participants from the United States with an age exceeding 40 years. Weighted statistical population descriptors, univariate analysis, and multivariate regression analysis were employed for the analysis. Subgroup analyses were conducted to further validate the stability of this association across different groups. RESULTS: The results revealed that individuals with infection or inflammation of the the prostate had a hazard ratio of 4.0 for developing PCa compared to those without such history, indicating a 300% increased risk of PCa (OR = 4.0; 95% CI: 1.1, 10.6; P < 0.001). After adjusting for confounding factors, individuals with infection or inflammation of prostate still exhibited a significant hazard ratio of 2.8 for developing PCa compared to those without such conditions, representing a 180% increased risk (OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.3, 6.1; P = 0.011); subgroup analysis demonstrated that within the age range of > = 40 and < 60 years, individuals with infection or inflammation of prostate had a hazard ratio of 2.8 for developing PCa, signifying a 180% heightened risk of PCa (OR = 2.8; 95% CI: 1.4, 5.1; P = 0.004); within the age range of > = 60 years, individuals with infection or inflammation of prostate had a hazard ratio of 5.0 for developing PCa, indicating a 400% increased risk of PCa (OR = 5.0; 95% CI: 1.3, 19.0; P = 0.020). CONCLUSION: This study indicates that among American males aged over 40, those with infection or inflammation of the the prostate exhibit an increased risk of developing PCa, particularly in the older age group (age > = 60), and this association remains significant even after adjusting for pertinent confounding factors.