Explore the latest research on prostate cancer, including risk factors like age, genetics, diet, and lifestyle, plus symptoms, screening recommendations, and preventative measures involving antioxidants and omega-3s.
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer spreading among us. The main factor that increases the likelihood of this disease is aging, as the chance of developing prostate cancer increases significantly with age. Among the other factors for this disease, genetic factors might be a reason such as having relatives who have been diagnosed with the disease before, obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, alcohol consumption, and smoking are among the factors that may increase the risk of developing the disease.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
In the early stages of the disease, no symptoms appear, and the patient does not experience any external signs. However, as prostate cancer develops slowly and over many years, symptoms may appear after several years, such as frequent urination, enlargement of the prostate area, and difficulty urinating. These symptoms may indicate prostate cancer in some cases, but they are similar to other non-cancerous symptoms, such as a benign prostatic hyperplasia, especially in men over the age of 50. Therefore, the appearance of these symptoms requires attention to a doctor to clarify the reasons that include:
- Difficulty urinating.
- Increased frequency of urination, especially at night.
- Feeling pain when urinating.
- Appearance of blood in the urine or during ejaculation (semen).
If you suffer from any of the mentioned symptoms, it is important to see a doctor. It is also important to remember that some cases of prostate enlargement are not dangerous.
Learn more about prostate cancer and its symptoms
New Studies on Risk Factors and Prevention of Prostate Cancer
With medical advancements, there is a growing body of scientific evidence that suggests the possibility of significantly enhancing healthy living to prevent and reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer, by avoiding unhealthy lifestyle habits that increase the risk from other sources. Known risk factors, as known to doctors and recommended by cancer societies with particular emphasis are poor diet, obesity, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption, smoking.
One of the recent studies on this topic mentioned that the consumption of hydrogenated oils (trans fats) increases the risk of prostate cancer. The study, published by the Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control at the Public Health Agency of Canada, found a correlation between the consumption of non-vegetable hydrogenated oils and the risk of developing prostate cancer. The lead researcher recommended providing medical advice to those concerned about nutrition to ensure the consumption of trans fats is minimized across Canada between the years 1994 and 1997. Responses were gathered from the individuals who responded.
A total of 1,797 participants previously diagnosed with prostate cancer and 2,547 participants who were not suffering from the disease were studied. During the studies, information was collected about the economic, social, and nutritional habits, as well as lifestyle of the participants. The participants were divided into four groups, based on their consumption of hydrogenated oils. The results showed that men who were in the highest quartile of hydrogenated oil consumption were about 45% more likely to develop prostate cancer, compared to men who were in the lowest quartile of consumption. From this, it can be concluded that increased consumption of hydrogenated oils increases the risk of prostate cancer, so following a diet low in hydrogenated oils may help reduce the risk of the disease. The study was published in the latest issue of the medical journal Nutrition and Cancer.
The information about the prevention factors is based on studies conducted in the field of nutrition and that suggest that components like omega-3, antioxidants, and vegetables can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
A recent study in France showed that the substances found in antioxidants, known as polyphenols, and found in red grapes and green tea reduce the development of prostate cancer. Researchers conducted experiments on lab rats that were treated with the drink that contains polyphenols. For the rats that were treated with polyphenols, there was a noticeable decrease in tumor growth. The study was recently published in the scientific journal FASEB – The Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology.
A study conducted previously at the University of California in the United States found that men who consumed high amounts of omega-3s had a 63% lower risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer, compared to men who consumed less. The researchers also found that men who had high levels of COX-2 inhibitors who consumed reduced amounts of omega-3s were more prone by 5 times to develop aggressive prostate cancer, but men who had the same genetic changes who consumed high amounts of omega-3s had less risk of developing the cancer as a result. The study was published recently in the journal CANCER WATCH.
Prostate Cancer Screening Recommendations
It is recommended for men at high risk of developing the disease to undergo periodic screening, starting from the age of 50, once a year. The high-risk group is defined as those with a first-degree relative (father, brother, or sons) who have had prostate cancer before the age of 70. These men are advised to undergo a PSA test to screen for the protein produced in prostate gland cells and found in the blood. The test includes an analysis of the prostate and imaging with modalities above the ultrasound. Accordingly, for each person, the appropriate additional tests are determined. As for the general population of men who do not have a significant cluster of risk factors, based on the recommendations of anti-cancer societies in most Western countries, screening for cancer is not done for the general population of men, rather screening the men within the high risk group.
Anti-cancer societies recommend that men over the age of 50 consult a doctor about the type of screening that suits them and what are the advantages and disadvantages of the available screening.
Support Over the Internet
Cancer societies today offer a forum for discussing prostate cancer and finding information about the disease. Through the forum, it is possible to discuss and ask questions.
Famous People Affected by Prostate Cancer
In October 2003, American actor Robert De Niro announced that he had prostate cancer, which was discovered as early as possible during a routine checkup, thanks to the necessary examinations he underwent. Following De Niro, the winner of 2 Academy Awards and known for his films: The Godfather Part II, Raging Bull, Goodfellas, and others were reported to have had the disease, in addition to other famous people, such as actor Dennis Hopper, known for films: Easy Rider and Apocalypse Now, and who died at the age of 73 before being 18 years old.
Cancer societies emphasize that early detection of prostate cancer, helps the public to undergo the tests and helps patients deal with the disease. The society also conducted a survey in which 81% of the respondents believed that discovering the existence of the disease through the media is a new thing and will encourage patients to continue dealing with the disease.
Testimonials
I have seen firsthand the impact prostate cancer can have on individuals and their families. However, I also know that early detection and treatment can lead to successful outcomes. It’s important to prioritize your health and get screened regularly. Together, we can make a difference in the fight against prostate cancer.
FAQ
What is the prostate? It is a small gland in the male reproductive system that produces fluid for semen.
What are the risk factors for prostate cancer? Age, family history, race (African American men are at higher risk), and diet are some of the factors.
How is prostate cancer diagnosed? A digital rectal exam (DRE), PSA blood test, and biopsy are common diagnostic methods.
