HEALTH MATTERS
Prostate Cancer Awareness
The Facts
- Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK
- 25% of all new cases of cancer diagnosed in men are prostate cancers
- Most prevalent in men over 40
- Prostate cancer afflicts 1 in 12 men during their lifetimes in the UK
- It is the second leading cause of cancer death in men
- The number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer has increased in recent years
- Death due to prsotate cancer has decreased over the last decade due to medical advances
What the Prostate Is
The prostate is found only in men. It is a small gland about the size of a walnut. The prostate surrounds the urethra which carries urine from the bladder to the penis. The same tube also carries semen. The prostate gland produces a thick clear fluid which is an important part of the semen.
Possible Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
- Having to rush to the toilet to pass urine
- Difficulty in passing urine
- Passing urine more often than usual, especially at night
- Pain in the back, hips, pelivis and other bony areas
- Pain on passing urine
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Weight loss, particularly in elderly men
- Difficulty obtaining an erection (where you haven’t had a problem before)
Remember – if you have any symptoms or are unsure, seek medical advice and get checked by a doctor. Most enlargements of the prostate are benign, which means they are not cancerous and can be easily treated.
Possible Causes
Although the causes of cancer of the prostate are unknown, there are some factors that are known to increase a man's chance of developing the disease. Researchers are trying to find out more about the causes of prostate cancer.
Ethnic group - Black men have higher rates of prostate cancer than any other group, white men are the second leading group. Asian and Hispanic men are less likely to die from the disease.
Family history - Men who have close relatives (a father, brother, grandfather or uncle) who have had prostate cancer are slightly more likely to develop it themselves. It is thought that a man's risk of developing prostate cancer is significantly increased if their father or brother developed prostate cancer at or under the age of 60, or if more than one man on the same side of the family has had prostate cancer.
Diet - A diet which is high in animal fat (including dairy products) and low in fresh fruit and vegetables may increase your risk of prostate cancer. A high intake of calcium (such as from dairy foods) may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
How to Prevent Prostate Cancer
- Ejaculate More – Scientists believe that every time you ejaculate, you flush out potentially cancer-forming toxins from your prostate.
- Don’t Overeat - US research has established a direct link between obesity and the incidence of prostate cancer, so avoid over-eating.
- Avoid Foods High in Fat - Prostate cancer rates are highest in countries where diets have a high saturated fat content.
- Eat More Fruit and Vegetables - A diet high in fruits and vegetables has been linked to a lower risk of all kinds of cancer. The fresher, the better. Phytoestrogens are plant-based chemicals similar to oestrogen in the human body and are thought to reduce your risk of cancer. Get yours in green leafy vegetables, legumes and seaweed.
- Oily Fish - Research suggests that diets rich in omega-3s lower the risks of all types of cancer. Mackerel, herring, salmon or any oily fish are great.
- Drink Tea - Green tea contains antioxidants such as polyphenols that may help prevent certain cancers.
- Cut Down on Alcohol - drinking too much will pile on the calories and put pressure on your organs to deal with the toxins. Have one glass of reseveratrol-rich red wine per day.