The Man Killer: Prostate Cancer

Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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.