What are the known Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer (PC)?

 

Age

prostate cancer is rarely found in men under 40, after 50 risk is growing but the most often its being diagnosed in men after the age of 65

 

Family History and genetical mutation

close family affected with disease (father, brother). Also inherited mutations of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes may increase the risk in some man

 

Race

research shows the most often occurrence of prostate cancer in African-American men and in Caribbean men of African roots. The less often occurrence rate is noticed in Asian-American and Hispanic/Latino men

 

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Less direct Risk Factors

 

Diet

some studies show the positive correlation between diet rich in animal and diary fat, less fruit and vegetables and increased occurrence of prostatecancer. Amino‐1‐methyl‐6‐phenylimidazo pyridine (PhiP) in cooked fish and meat show positive association

 

Obesity

not direct correlation between obesity and increased risk of prostate cancer was found. But some studies show higher difficulties to cure the disease for those obese men, who has been affected by it. Also some studies show higher occurrence of the more aggressive form of the disease in the obese patient group

 

Vitamin D deficiency

is another risk factor for prostate cancer. Some studies show the correlation between the occurrence of prostate cancerand vitamin D deficiency

 

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs)

in other words – substances, that disturb proper functioning of the hormonal system. Studies have shown that certain pesticides used in food industry as well as chemicals used for plastics production, and phytoestrogens (like soy) may influence an endocrine system in the body. We can be influenced by this substances simply by consuming the affected food, water or by inhaling. The close contact with the substances itself is possible for example in farming that use pesticides,  painting without respiratory protection or job in plastic production industry (ex rubber)

 

Cadmium is a heavy metal, considered one of the most hazardous environmental contaminant that has been linked to prostate cancer and has toxic effects on kidneys in some epidemiological studies. Lots of rise soils has been contaminated with Cadmium, more than 20% of the agriculture lands in China. People are also exposed to Cadmium through passive and active inhalation of tobacco smoke

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finding yourself in one or more Risk Factors group doesn’t mean the disease will develop! Some people have more than one risk factors and never get prostate cancer, other, with the lower probability – ma get affected by it. Belonging to one of the groups means simply being more careful, avoiding risk factors, that can be avoid and consider undergoing more frequent medical check-ups

 

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What to do to lower the risk?

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• Antioxidants (selenium, α‐tocopherol (vitamin E), and lycopene (a carotenoid) can serve as a protection against prostate cancer. Vitamin Einhibits prostate cancer cell growth through apoptosis, and daily intake decreased the risk of prostate cancer by 32% in a large, controlled, clinical trial from Finland. Lycopenea component of tomato‐based productsand the most efficient carotenoid antioxidant.

• Zinc (Zn) concentration in the healthy prostate is high. In the prostate affected by cancer - it is reduced > 90%. There is not study that would show the zinc deficiency as a direct risk factor, but dietary Zinc intake is very recommended by specialists. Zink can be found in such a products as: chickpeas, lentils, beans, seeds, nuts. 

• Avoid EDCs (Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals) – take care of the quality of food and water consumed, avoid smoking.

 

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Possible Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

 

often at the early stages there are no symptoms of the prostate cancer. On the other hand – symptoms mentioned below may by cause by completely different reason (as urinary infection, BPH – benign prostatic hyperplasia, etc). That is why if any of the symptoms, mentioned below has been noticed – it means only it might be a good idea to see a doctor, check and address the issue ASAP. Prostate cancer at the early stages grows very slowly and has a very good survival rates and if diagnosed before the disease has spread to the other parts of the body – the life expectance is very high in the statistics

 

The following symptoms can also be caused by other problems of the prostate:

• delay or slowness to start urination

• drip or leakage of urine, most often after urination

• slow urinary stream

• effort when urinating or not being able to empty all the urine

• blood in the urine or semen

• bone pain or tenderness, most often in the lower back and pelvic bones

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Diagnosis 

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• DRE - digital rectal examination - simple and short physical hand in glow examination of the prostate through the rectum. Detects possible suspicious areas for further examination

• PSA test

• urine tests 

• ​PET CT Scan

• prostate biopsy

• mpMRI

 

Treatment

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treatment depends on many factors, including general health, stage and type of the disease, age of the patient, family history, patient decision based of the quality of life, survival and recurrence data. Its always a matter to discuss with the doctor

 

Treatment may include:

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• surgery (radical prostatectomy)

• radiotherapy, for example brachytherapy and proton therapy

• chemotherapy

• immunotherapy (medicine to cause the immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells)

• observation

• cryotherapy

• hormonal therapy

 

after treatment for prostate cancer, the close monitoring is recommended, to make sure the cancer does not spread. This involves routine checkups by the doctor, which include prostate-specific antigen blood tests (usually every three months to a year)