Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

A risk factor is anything that may increase a person's chance of developing a disease. It may be an activity, such as smoking, diet, family history, or many other things. Different diseases, including cancers, have different risk factors. In general, all men are at risk for prostate cancer. However, there are specific risk factors that increase the likelihood that certain men will develop the disease, including the following:

Age is a risk factor for prostate cancer, especially men age 50 and older. More than 80 percent of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65. Race: Prostate cancer is nearly twice as common among African-American men than it is among Caucasian-American men. Japanese and Chinese men native to their country have the lowest rates of prostate cancer.

Diet: Data suggests that the diet consumed in Western industrialized countries may be one of the most important contributory factors for developing prostate cancer. The following information regarding diet and its effect on the risk for prostate cancer include men who eat a high-fat diet may have a greater chance of developing prostate cancer. Dietary fiber intake may decrease the progression of prostate cancer. Soy protein lowers fat intake, and the isoflavones in soy have been found to inhibit the growth of prostate cancer. Vitamin E and selenium Vitamin E, an antioxidant, combined with selenium, has been shown to inhibit tumor growth in laboratory animals. Carotenoids Carotenoids containing lycopenes have been shown to inhibit the growth of human prostate cancer cells in tissue cultures. The primary source of lycopenes is processed tomatoes in tomato juice and tomato paste. Obesity Obesity not only contributes to diabetes and high cholesterol, but has also been associated with some common cancers including prostate cancer.

Vasectomy, BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), or STD (sexually transmitted disease) Researchers have looked at whether men who have had a vasectomy, BPH, or those who have had exposure to STD’s are at increased risk for prostate cancer. Some studies suggest a link, while others don’t. Family history of prostate cancer. A father or brother with prostate cancer doubles a man's risk of developing prostate cancer. The risk is even higher for men with several affected relatives. Geneticists divide families into three groups, depending upon the number of men with prostate cancer and their ages of onset, including the following: Sporadic - a family with prostate cancer present in one man, at a typical age of onset. Familial - a family with prostate cancer present in more than one person, but with no definitive pattern of inheritance and usually an older age of onset. Hereditary - Five to 10 percent of prostate cancer cases are considered hereditary. Genetic Approximately 9 percent of all prostate cancers and 45 percent of cases in men younger than age 55 can be attributed to a cancer susceptibility gene that is inherited as a dominant trait (from parent to child).

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The Man Killer: Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the male equivalent of breast cancer, which plagues millions of women. Fortunately, a little precaution can reduce the dangers of prostate cancer, and might even help save your life. It is crucial for men to pay attention to their health, especially as they age. Prostate cancer is the third major cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Many men do not realize the severity of this hazardous disease and fail to receive regular prostate checkups.

Prostate cancer starts with the growth of a malignant tumor inside the prostate gland and spreads by extending into the bladder, seminal vesicles, and peritoneal cavity. It eventually metastasizes to the bones, lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and kidneys. The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, although recent studies find a small relation between increased testosterone levels and high dietary fat intake. Prostate cancer is rarely occurs in men under 40 years of age. The highest level of occurrence is greatest in African-American men over 60 years old. Increased occurrence is also associated environmental exposure to cadmium, a metallic element. The lowest incidence of prostate cancer occurs in vegetarians.

The cancer is classified based on the tumor's aggressiveness and the degree it affects surrounding tissue. Most prostate cancers are staged or characterized by utilizing the Whitmore-Jewett system (A B C D system). The system groups tumors using the following scale: A: Tumor that cannot be detected by touch but only through microscopic tissue sampling. B: Tumor that can be detected digital inspection and is still confined to the prostate. C: Spreading of the tumor beyond the prostate gland. D: The cancer has advanced to regional lymph nodes.

Risk factors The risk factors are well researched but commonly misunderstood. Some studies show positive associations with age, race, family history, and diet. Age: Prostate cancer is particularly common among older men. Its occurrence has been reported in over 4 0 percent of men aged seventy years or older. Race: Extreme variations in the number of cases and mortality rate of prostate cancer have been observed among different countries and in racial and ethnic groups. African-Americans suffers the highest mortality levels for prostate cancer in the world, followed by white males in Scandinavian countries. Asian males have the lowest mortality rate. Family History: Studies report that men who have family histories of prostate cancer, fathers or brothers, are two or three times more likely to develop the disease. Diet: The main component associated with prostate cancer is consumption of fats and obesity. Individuals can actually reduce his chances of developing prostate cancer by modifying their diet and controlling their weight.

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Feeding the Prostate

Ideally, people would get all the nutrients and vitamins they need from food. Unfortunately many people start with a nutrient deficit because our food- products are designed to produce good-looking items that don’t spoil on the way to the consumer instead of nutrient-packed, healthful foods. That’s why most people must turn to supplements. Liquid and natural supplements are much easier for our bodies to process, and are more easily absorbed. Supplements that specifically benefit the prostate include zinc, kelp, nettles, green teas, pygeum, saw palmetto, and avena sativa. Zinc: This mineral is a major component of ejaculate. Zinc strengthens the immune system, is vital for strong bones and reproduction, and regulates both sugar and blood cholesterol. Kelp: A seaweed rich in minerals and iodine that help to prevent and treat prostate cancer. Nettles: Contain iron, vitamin C, and other nutrients that can strengthen the prostate. It can be taken in a variety of forms. Green tea: Catechins found in green tea may help the prostate, although it is not yet proven. Pygeum: This herb has been used to treat diseases of the prostate and urinary tract in Europe for many years. It has been shown to shrink enlarged prostates in many studies. Saw palmetto: This herb is believed to shrink enlarged prostates and to lower PSA. Avena sativa: Rich in calcium mucin and silicic acid, avena sativa tones the nervous system Dietary recommendations for the prostate are to eat lots of fresh vegetables and fruits, legumes (peas, beans, and lentils) and fresh fish. Fish contains essential fatty acids the body uses to produce prostaglandins, which keep the immune system strong. Eat whole grain in moderation, rather than refined, and choose organically grown foods whenever it’s possible. Avoid fatty meats, since high-fat diets have been linked to prostate cancer, other cancers, heart disease, and numerous other medical problems. Stay away from refined sugars, salt, hydrogenated oils, canned, packaged, or otherwise processed foods. Skip sodas, alcohol, black teas, and coffee. Stop consumption of dairy foods, since these products is closely linked in the US to prostate cancer. Lastly, reduce stress, particularly chronic stress, since it is especially hard on the prostate. Stress can restrict the flow of blood and energy. This stress related damage sets the stage for enlargement of the prostate and possibly cancer. General lifestyle also contributes to the health of the prostate. Exercise promotes circulation and relieves tension in the body, which enhances the odds of a healthy prostate.

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