ProstateReducing Your Risk of

Stopping Cancer Series

Cancer

How common is prostatecancer?

Prostate cancer is the most common canceramong men in the United States, after skincancer. Approximately 220,900 new casesand 28,900 deaths are expected to occur thisyear. It is the second leading cause of can-cer deaths in men, after lung cancer.

At what age do men usu-ally develop prostatecancer?

Frequency of the disease increases withage. Health experts estimate that prostatecancer is present in about 30 percent of menin their 50s and rises to 70 percent of men80 years or older. The disease developsslowly and is uncommon before age 50.Although prostate cancer will be diagnosedin almost one-fifth of the male population,only about 3 percent is expected to die ofthe disease. In many cases, it causes nosymptoms and remains undetected.

Are particular races ornationalities more at riskthan others?

Prostate cancer is common in North Americaand northwestern Europe. It is rare in Asia,Africa and South America. Black Americanshave the highest prostate cancer incidencerates in the world. Genetic studies suggestthat 5 to 10 percent of cancer cases may bedue to inherited predispositions.

Yes. If prostate cancer is detected early,surgery, radiation, or other treatments mayoffer long-term survival or a cure. The5-year survival rate for patients whosecancers have not yet spread when diag-nosed is 100 percent. For all stages com-bined, the survival rate is 97 percent. Twotests used to detect prostate cancer are ablood test for prostate-specific antigen(PSA), and a digital rectal examination. Ifeither test suggests a problem, your doctormay send you to a urologist for an ultra-sound examination. A biopsy may then beperformed to detect cancer cells.

Does early detection makea difference?

How can I reduce my riskof prostate cancer?

Health experts advise men to reduce theamount of fat in their diets, especially frommeat and dairy products, and to increasethe amount and variety of fruits and veg-etables. These dietary changes also helpprotect against other chronic diseases, likeheart disease and stroke. Some studiessuggest that being overweight and lack ofexercise also contribute to prostate cancerrisk. AICR recommends aiming for an hourof physical activity each day to reduce riskof cancer and other chronic diseases. Con-sult your doctor first before beginning anexercise program.

What Is Prostate Cancer?Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor in theprostate, the male gland that produces semen.The prostate gland is about the size of a walnut.It is attached to the bottom of the bladder andsurrounds the urethra. It often enlarges as menage, but most prostate problems are not cancer.

Prostate cancer is often slow-growing, some-times present for years before symptoms appear.The prognosis depends on several variables,including the stage at which the cancer isdiagnosed and the age and medical historyof the patient.

CausesDiet, lifestyle and male hormones are all sus-pected to play roles in the development of pros-tate cancer. One theory associates prostate can-cer with high amounts of dietary fat, which mayincrease the levels of male sex hormones in theblood, consequently raising the risk of prostatecancer. Second, saturated fats from animal pro-ducts may initiate or promote prostate cancer.

A Diet to Lower Cancer RiskOngoing research suggests that eating a mostlyplant-based, lowfat diet can lower cancer risk ingeneral and help prevent prostate cancer. Foodsthat have been linked to possible prostate pro-tection in some studies include cruciferous vege-tables (like broccoli and cabbage), grape seedextract, green tea, grapes, peanuts, soy products,tomatoes and regular consumption of fatty fishlike salmon and trout. However, none of thesefoods has been proven to prevent the disease.

Although its too soon to make specific dietaryrecommendations to prevent prostate cancer, adiet rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains andbeans, combined with a healthy weight andregular physical activity, can bring many healthbenefits.

Risk FactorsAny man can get prostate cancer, but some menare at higher risk if these factors apply:

Over 50 years of age Being African-American Close relative (father, brother) with

prostate cancer

Diet high in fat, low in vegetables and fruits Obesity (a Body Mass Index of 30 or more)

Screening TestsBe sure to see your doctor right away if youexperience any of the symptoms of prostatetrouble. You may not have cancer, but if you do,the sooner it is detected, the better your chancesof a successful recovery.

Annual PSA blood test beginning at age 50. Theprostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood testdetects a substance manufactured in the pros-tate. Higher levels of PSA indicate changes inthe prostate, but not necessarily cancer. Anelevated PSA level also could be due to infec-tion or enlargement of the gland.

Annual DRE beginning at age 50. The digitalrectal examination (DRE) is an effective, inex-pensive way to detect cancer. It is one manymen forego because of embarrassment. How-ever, it is quick, painless and can be a lifesaver.

Men at higher risk should talk to their doctorabout beginning these yearly tests at age 45.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do selenium and vitamin E supplementsprevent prostate cancer?

Previous studies suggest that both seleniumand vitamin E may have strong preventiveeffects. A selenium supplement is probablyunnecessary because most people receive therecommended daily intake (55 micrograms)through food and drinking water. Selenium alsocan be toxic at high levels. Good sources in-clude Brazil nuts, whole grains, sunflowerseeds, wheat germ, seafood, poultry and leanmeats. You may want to discuss vitamin Esupplementation with your doctor because it isdifficult to absorb amounts that are highenough to be cancer-protective from foodsalone. Vegetable oils, nuts, seeds and leafygreen vegetables are rich in vitamin E.

What about tomatoes?Tomatoes appear to help prevent and slow thegrowth of prostate cancer, especially when theyare cooked. The reason may be the presence oflycopene, a phytochemical that may inhibit cell

damage. Its advisable to eat tomatoes as part ofa diet high in vegetables and fruits. A goodsource of lycopene is tomatoes that have beenprocessed into products such as pasta sauce,stewed tomatoes and tomato soup.

Are soy foods beneficial?

Tofu and other soy products are consumedregularly in Asia, where prostate cancer inci-dence is low. Researchers speculate that iso-flavones phytochemicals in soy may preventmore advanced stages of prostate cancer fromdeveloping. Genistein, the main isoflavone insoybeans, is often mentioned for its protectiveeffects.

Although the limited evidence to date is prom-ising, the benefits of soy on the prostate are stilltoo tentative to recommend. Soy expert MarkMessina, Ph.D., at Loma Linda University,suggests that prostate cancer patients may wantto eat two servings of soy products per day aspart of a mostly plant-based diet.

Any changes in urinary habits Need to urinate frequently, especially at night Sense of urgency to urinate, but difficulty starting Painful urination Inability to urinate or weak or interrupted flow Blood in the urine Continuing pain in the lower back, pelvis, or

upper thighs

Be Alert to Possible Symptoms

The following symptoms do not necessarilymean you have cancer, but see a doctor if younotice any of them:

Stopping cancer before it starts

AICR Diet and HealthGuidelines for

Cancer Prevention1. Choose a diet rich in a variety of plant-

based foods.

2. Eat plenty of vegetables and fruits.

3. Maintain a healthy weight and bephysically active.

4. Drink alcohol only in moderation,if at all.

5. Select foods low in fat and salt.

6. Prepare and store food safely.

And always rememberDo not use tobacco in any form.

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