Prostate cancer is affecting more men in the society and an estimate of about 233,000 men are expected to receive a diagnosis of it in the year 2014. Another estimate of about 30,000 men are expected to pass on due to this disease. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), prostrate cancer takes second position as the most popular cancer amongst men. Taking first position is lung/bronchial cancer for men across the world. Another research carried by Cancer.org reveals skin cancer to be the most common diagnosis amongst men.
If you have a growth in your prostrate gland, have it checked for possible prostrate cancer. The gland is responsible for sperm production and its transportation. The growth causes a more rapid replication of cells. During replication, there occurs errors which result into creation of mutated genes.
Though cancer can be inherited, only about 5%-10% are cases of inherited prostrate cancer. Other cases are caused by environmental factors as indicated by the American Cancer Society. More common are the increase of some given hormones. The hormones are increased due to specific endocrine-interrupting compounds. Endocrine disruptors like BPA and prostrate cancer have a direct link. Other examples of endocrine disruptors/hormone mimickers include lead, mercury, arsenic, DDT, fire retardants and dioxin.
Prostrate cancer is treatable but it becomes fatal with rapid spread. According to research, prostrate cancer has been noted to be more evident in men in developed countries. This has led to the assumption that prostrate cancer is promoted by western culture. This mostly reflects on the individuals diet and lifestyle.
In reference to diet, foods containing selenium, calcium, and lycopene reduce cases of prostrate cancer as revealed by a study in the Medical Journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.
Reduce risk of prostrate cancer with Lycopene-rich foods
Lycopene refers to the pigmentation in fruits and vegetables that causes their red color. It contains antioxidant properties which fight toxins responsible for DNA and damage to cells. Some foods containing this compound include tomatoes, watermelon, grapefruit, asparagus, red cabbage and carrots.
Research has it that men who consume about 10 portions of tomatoes and tomato juice reduced their risk by 18% which is much higher than with any other foods. Though this indicates that tomatoes are useful for prostrate cancer prevention, more research must be carried out to confirm with this. The trials need to be carried out more on human samples.
It is advisable that men maintain a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. In addition, they need to live an active life with exercise a part of their lifestyle. More focus should be placed on the diet as indicated by researchers. The conclusions drafted by the World Cancer Research Fund and the American Institute for Cancer Research needed more attention and a wider dietary recommendation.
The National National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) provided funds for the research. The main objective is to develop a treatment remedy for prostrate cancer.
The battle between an operation, radiotherapy or patient monitoring with frequent checkups as the best treatment is still ongoing.
Additional sources:
http://www.bristol.ac.uk
http://www.cancer.gov
http://www.cancer.org