Prostate Cancer Information

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of deaths from cancer in men. Prostate cancer is most likely to appear in men over the age of 40, although some cases have been diagnosed in younger men. Further, it is most common in men over the age of 80.

Obviously, one of the more important factors in developing prostate cancer is the advancement of age. However, there are several other influential factors. Such factors include genetics and hormones, industrial products, and toxins. Interestingly, African-American males are more likely to develop prostate cancer than Caucasian males. Also, Japanese men living in Japan are less likely to develop prostate cancer than Japanese men living in the United States. Additionally, Native American men are about as likely to develop the cancer as men living in Japan. Finally, the least likely group to develop prostate cancer overall are Japanese males. In fact, prostate cancer in males of Japanese lineage still living in Japan is very uncommon.

As far as the genetic aspect is involved, no single gene has been identified as the possible cause of prostate cancer. However, from a hormonal standpoint, testosterone is believed to be a very important factor in the development of prostate cancer. Testosterone stimulates the growth of both prostate tissue and prostate cancer cells. As might be expected, and has been demonstrated, reducing the amount of testosterone is an effective method of inhibiting the continued growth of prostate cancer cells.

Diet has been shown to affect the possibility of developing prostate cancer as well, although the extent to which diet plays an active role is unknown. Men whose diets are high in animal fats are often at a higher risk of developing the cancer than men whose diets are high in fruits and vegetables. Currently, studies are in progress to test the effectiveness of dietary supplements in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. Regardless of symptoms, it is suggested that all men over the age of 40 should receive yearly prostate cancer screenings.