Prostrate cancer is characterized by the presence of malignant cells
within the male prostate gland, located under the bladder, or the
surrounding tissue. Prostrate cancer is the second leading cause of
death for men in the U.S. behind lung cancer. The American Cancer
Society (ACS) estimates 180,000 new cases of prostrate cancer are
diagnosed annually with approx 32,000 individuals dying as a result.
Likewise, the ACS found that if the cancer is still localized in the
prostate at diagnosis, as 79 percent of cases are, the five year
survival rate is nearly 100 percent. As with all cancers, early
detection is crucial for successful treatment and survival. After
puberty, most men undergo physical examinations which include a manual
prostate exam and could potentially lead to additional tests if the
doctor deems necessary. Additionally, if a family history of prostate
cancer exists or potential exposure to environmental risk factors such
as the element cadmium is likely, the frequency of prostate exams may
be increased to ensure immediate treatment if necessary.
Several
other risk factors for prostrate cancer are thought to be age, African
American descent and a newer school of thought which suggests that a
diet rich in animal fat may contribute to prostate cancer. In fact,
African American males in the U.S. have the highest occurrence rate in
the world for prostrate cancer, a marked 37 percent most than white
males living in the United States. It has also been noted that
prostate cancer rarely occurs before the age of 40 and is mostly
concentrated in those over age 65. And although animal fat may be
linked to prostate cancer, a diet rich in tomato based products which
contain the antioxidant lycopene may decrease the overall risk. In
fact, eating just two servings of tomato sauce per week can
significantly decrease a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer.