Ozen et al. describe a fascinating genetic connection between two of the most common hormone-driven cancers: PCa and breast cancer. The study focused on HOXB13, a gene already recognized as a high-risk susceptibility gene for PCa, and examined whether variants might also play a role in breast cancer. Among more than 1,500 breast cancer patients, the researchers identified several rare HOXB13 variants, with one particular mutation appearing most frequently in hormone receptor-positive breast cancer patients.

What I found interesting was that several families in the study included relatives affected by both prostate and breast cancer. Certain inherited genetic patterns may influence cancer risk across genders. This is still early research, but it reminds us that PCa and breast cancer share more common ground than many people realize. Both are heavily influenced by hormonal signaling, both can involve inherited genetic risk and both are increasingly being understood through the lens of precision medicine. As genetic testing becomes more common, discoveries like this may eventually help families better understand their cancer risk.

Liu et al. tackle an important question in longevity science: can we actually influence biological aging through diet? The review focuses on plant-based polyphenols. These are compounds found in foods like berries, green tea, olive oil, cocoa, coffee, herbs, spices and legumes. These compounds appear to influence multiple biologic pathways simultaneously, including inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial function and metabolic health. Rather than acting simply as antioxidants as previously thought, polyphenols appear to function as signaling molecules that help cells adapt to stress and maintain resilience as we age.

Most interesting was the discussion around the accumulation of "zombie cells" that stop dividing but continue releasing inflammatory compounds into surrounding tissues. The authors highlight evidence suggesting that polyphenols such as quercetin (onions), fisetin (strawberries), curcumin (turmeric) and resveratrol (red grapes) may help suppress these aging-related pathways. So it seems that biological age may be more modifiable than previously believed. The emerging science suggests that a diverse, plant-rich diet could influence not only lifespan, but perhaps more importantly, the number of years we remain active and free from chronic disease.

Shah et al. examined the question could the food colorings added to processed foods influence the risk of developing type 2 diabetes? I am reviewing this paper because several Prostate 180 readers have asked about diabetes privately. Using dietary data from more than 108,000 participants followed for over eight years, the researchers found that higher exposure to several food coloring additives was associated with an increased incidence of type 2 diabetes, even after adjusting for diet quality, sugar intake, body weight, physical activity and ultra-processed food consumption. The strongest associations were seen with total food coloring additives, caramel colorings, β-carotene-based colorings, curcumin, anthocyanins and several other commonly used coloring agents.

The study challenges the common assumption that "natural" automatically means harmless. Many of the additives associated with higher diabetes risk were naturally derived colorings, not synthetic dyes. This does not prove that food colorings directly cause diabetes, however, the findings add to a growing body of evidence suggesting that the health effects of ultra-processed foods go beyond sugar, calories and fat. And, foods requiring bright colors to attract our attention may deserve a closer look at the ingredient label before they make it into our shopping cart.

This is an interesting paper because it highlights a disconnect that many patients experience: the same PSA test can be viewed very differently depending on whether they are speaking with a primary care physician or a urologist. Seriously.

Lumbreras et al. surveyed 494 clinicians (280 general practitioners & 214 urologists) and found substantial differences in how they approach PCa screening. Urologists were far more likely to view PSA testing as useful, recommend it to family members, begin testing at younger ages and perform annual testing. In contrast, general practitioners were more cautious about screening. While 91% of urologists reported familiarity with major PCa screening guidelines, only 24% of GPs did.

For readers of Prostate 180, the most important takeaway is that PSA screening is not a simple yes-or-no issue. Even among physicians who deal with PCa regularly, there is considerable variation in how screening is discussed and implemented.

Personally, I found one result particularly striking: nearly 70% of general practitioners reported routinely involving patients in the screening decision, compared with only 10% of urologists. That suggests that expertise alone does not guarantee better communication. As PCa screening continues to evolve toward risk-based approaches using PSA, MRI, family history, genetics and other factors, understanding your options may be just as important as the test itself.

One of the most common complaints among aging men is waking up repeatedly during the night to urinate. According to this article, only about one-third of nocturia (urinating during the night) cases are driven by benign prostatic enlargement (BPH). The remaining cases are frequently linked to conditions such as sleep apnea, excessive nighttime urine production, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, medication timing or even an overactive bladder. The author emphasizes that nocturia is a symptom rather than a diagnosis.

One of the most practical recommendations in the article is the use of a simple three-day bladder diary. By recording the timing and volume of every urination over a few days, physicians can often distinguish between prostate-related symptoms and other causes. Waking multiple times each night is not merely an inconvenience. Poor sleep quality has been linked to fatigue, metabolic dysfunction, cardiovascular disease and reduced quality of life. For many men, nocturia may be an early warning sign that deserves investigation rather than acceptance as a normal part of aging.

Personally, I suspect many men reading this will recognize themselves in the description. If you're getting up two or more times every night, the answer may not be simply "getting older" or "having a bad prostate." Sometimes your bladder is telling you about a much larger health issue. Listen to your body.