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.
What are the 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.
How to prevent Prostate Cancer?
There is some evidence that links exercise to better prostate health. Exercise improves overall physical and mental health, so most medical professionals recommend at least a half an hour of exercise per week. Some studies indicate that regular exercise increases oxygen flow to the soft tissues of the body and helps to control glucose levels in the bloodstream. High levels of glucose may help fuel prostate cancer cells.
A healthy prostate diet is worth considering. High-fat and low-fiber diets and obesity seem to contribute to a higher risk of prostate cancer, Researchers theorize that high levels of body fat can stimulate the production of male hormones which encourage prostate cell production. Some researchers believe that cancerous prostate cells can feed on fat, especially fats found in red meat and dairy products. Omega 3 fatty acid, found in fish, soy, and flaxseed is known as the “heart-healthy” fats. Omega-3 fatty acids help decease fats found in the body. Countries whose diets are based on fish proteins rather than red meat have much lower rates of prostate cancer. Soy products can decease how cancerous cells move to other parts of the body. Soy products include tofu, soymilk, soy creamers, soy yogurts, soy ice creams, and tofu burgers and sausages often stocked in grocery stores today. Silken tofu or soy powder can be added to baked goods or drinks to receive the benefits of soy. Red grapes, grape juice, green teas, and red wine contain anti-oxidants that can neutralize cancer-causing agents within the body. Lycopene found in tomatoes, and beta-carotene may be beneficial in helping to protect the body from the risk of prostate cancer. Eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables may help boost the body’s cancer fighting abilities and over-all health.
Prostate Health Supplements such as vitamin E and selenium have been linked to a drastically decreased risk of prostate cancer. Studies of vitamin E and selenium seem to benefit those who were deficient in either, or who were ex-smokers. Studies have also linked a daily regimen of aspirin or ibuprofen to lower risks of prostate cancer. As always, talk to your doctor before starting any prolonged use of supplements or aspirin.
Men’s Health Zone has been developed to help you take care of your health more easily. Here you can find information on the health aspects that are unique to men, and solutions for the most common problems you face throughout your life. Your health determines your success in business and in love. Improve it and preserve it. Let Men’s Health Zone help you on your way!
Sarinah specializes in marketing Natural Health And Beauty Products.
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