Plastic is everywhere.
Over time, it breaks down into microscopic fragments known as microplastics.
For years, scientists have known these particles are small enough to enter the human body. Now we have begun to see the damage that occurs when that happens…
They have been found inside blood clots, where they’ve been linked to heart problems and heart failure. They can cross the blood-brain barrier and lead to cognitive decline.
And, they also seem to pose a special danger to men. Previous research has shown they specifically target men’s arteries.
Unfortunately, it appears men face another unique threat from microplastics: a buildup of microplastics inside prostate cancer tumors — at levels significantly higher than in healthy tissue.
Here’s what scientists say you need to know about the microplastics they’re finding in tumors…
Microplastics concentrate inside prostate cancer cells
Using specialized instruments designed to identify and measure plastic particles, Researchers at NYU Langone Health analyzed prostate tissue samples from men undergoing surgery. They detected multiple types of plastic molecules commonly used in everyday products
In fact, the team found plastic particles in 90% of cancerous tumors. Even more concerning, tumor tissue contained about 2.5 times more plastic than nearby noncancerous prostate tissue.
“Our pilot study provides important evidence that microplastic exposure may be a risk factor for prostate cancer,” said study lead author Stacy Loeb, MD.
Prostate cancer and the inflammation connection
Microplastics form when plastic materials degrade through heat, friction, or chemical processes. They can enter the body through food, drinking water, inhaled air and even skin contact. Once inside, they can travel through the bloodstream and accumulate in organs and tissues.
Scientists are still learning what happens next — but inflammation appears to be a key piece of the puzzle. One leading theory is that microplastics trigger a prolonged immune response.
The immune system recognizes these particles as foreign invaders and initiates an inflammatory response to remove them.
Over time, this chronic inflammation can damage healthy cells. As cells are repeatedly injured and repaired, DNA damage begins to build up and trigger a cascade that inevitably leads to cancer.
Chronic inflammation is already known to play a role in many cancers, including prostate cancer. And it’s long been known that conditions that cause persistent inflammation create an environment where cells are more vulnerable to DNA damage and abnormal growth.
For example, scientists at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine found that inflammation sabotages immune cells, setting the body up for liver cancer.
Curbing microplastics and inflammation to protect your prostate
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, impacting one in eight men in their lifetime. While this news about microplastics is daunting, lifestyle changes can reduce exposure.
Some practical steps include:
- Limiting the use of single-use plastics.
- Avoiding heating and storing food in plastic containers.
- Using glass, stainless steel, or ceramic for food and drinks.
- Choosing fresh foods over heavily packaged options that may come in plastic.
- Reducing plastic use when possible in daily life.
- Cut down on fast food and takeout that come in Styrofoam and plastic containers.
Fortunately, a lot of research has gone into functional foods that can combat some of the effects of this modern plague, such as anthocyanin-rich foods.
When researchers conducted a review of the scientific literature, they discovered that anthocyanins protect against a range of microplastic-induced effects on hormones, including reductions in testosterone and estrogen, decreased sperm counts, lower sperm quality, erectile dysfunction, and ovarian damage.
Anthocyanins also possess both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties to combat DNA damage.
Remember, cancer doesn’t develop overnight. It often results from years of cumulative stress on cells, including chronic inflammation.
Luckily, small daily steps can help reduce microplastic exposure and inflammatory damage to help keep your prostate healthy and cancer-free.
For more information on avoiding cancer, see the editor’s note below!
Sources
Microplastics found in 90% of prostate cancer tumors, study reveals — ScienceDaily
Microplastics Discovered in Prostate Tumors — NYU Langone Health
Chronic Inflammation — NIH