(NaturalNews) Stress, poor diet, exposure to environmental chemicals -- these and many other triggers of chronic inflammation may be causatively linked to cancer, according to a new study. Researchers from the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins University in Maryland observed higher rates of prostate cancer in men with chronic inflammation compared to men with a more balanced physiology, affirming the importance of living an anti-inflammatory lifestyle.

Published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, their study looked at tissue samples collected from 400 men, 191 of which had prostate cancer. All the samples were evaluated for markers of inflammation and compared between the two groups to look for any correlations between cancer rates and underlying inflammation.

As far as markers of inflammation, 86.2 percent of the men with prostate cancer had them compared with only 78.2 percent of frequency-matched controls, a roughly 10 percent variance. But the real kicker was the cancer risk associated with having at least one marker of inflammation. Men who had at least one sign of chronic inflammation were determined to be 178 percent more likely to have prostate cancer than men with no markers of chronic inflammation.

Similarly, chronic inflammation was associated with a 224 percent increase in overall cancer risk, suggesting that both men and women have cause for concern. Building upon previous research, this finding helps clarify the role that inflammation plays in spurring cancer proliferation and draws attention to the need for a more preventative approach in fighting this inflammation.

"Inflammation, most of which was chronic, was common in benign prostate tissue, and was positively associated with prostate cancer, especially high grade," wrote the authors. "This study supports an etiologic link between inflammation and prostate carcinogenesis, and suggests an avenue for prevention by mitigating intraprostatic inflammation."

Eliminate inflammation before it eliminates you

The team had previously looked at a possible connection between inflammation and prostate cancer in earlier research, but these analyses did not compare the prostate tissue of healthy men to that of men with cancer. As a result, the findings were limited and inconclusive. And even though the new research did not definitively establish a causal connection, its findings are among the strongest ever presented.

"We had the unique opportunity to investigate biopsy tissue from patients who had no indication to prompt a biopsy," stated Elizabeth Platz, one of the researchers. "Prostate tissue was available not just for men who had the diagnosis of prostate cancer, but also for those who did not have the diagnosis."

Since most people living in the developed world today are likely suffering from chronic inflammation due to constant stressors, an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle is crucial for avoiding disease. Some of the more powerful nutrients that help fight inflammation include turmeric and omega-3 fatty acids, both of which have been cited in hundreds of scientific studies to target inflammation.

You can also minimize inflammation by avoiding processed vegetable oils like soy and canola oil, as well as refined sugars. Getting plenty of sleep and consciously addressing any triggers of anxiety and stress in your life will also go a long way in reducing the inflammatory responses that can eventually lead to things like heart disease and cancer.

"They should be alert to future research and be aware of risk factors for cancer and poor health in general," added Platz. "Men need to focus on their overall well-being by not smoking, or not being overweight or obese."

Sources for this article include:

http://www.techtimes.com

http://scienceblog.cancerresearchuk.org

http://www.medwirenews.com