The Man Killer: Prostate Cancer

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. 


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.