Is Prevention of Prostate Cancer Possible?

In common with most cancer types the root cause of most forms of prostate cancer is not known. Indeed, many of the known risk factors, such as age, race and family history of the disease are beyond an individual's control. However, research suggests that some cases may be prevented and the overall risks lowered.



Lowering your Risk of Prostate Cancer

Research currently suggests that the following may be advantageous in lowering the risk of prostate cancer:

Diet

For non-smoker,s diet is probably the largest factor governing an individual's health. Current advice suggest that everyone should eat at least five protions of fresh fruit and vegetables every day. Foods hight in fibre, such as bread, cereals, grain products, rice, pasta, and beans are also recommended. However, as many types of cancer occur because of damage to the DNA of cells foods rich in chemicals called lycopenes are especially reccomended. Lycopenes are vitamin-like substances that function as antioxidants and help protect DNA from the kinds of damage that can cause cancers. Tomatoes (whether raw or cooked) are especially rich in lycopenes, as are pink grapefruit and watermelons. Indeed, most fruit with reddish flesh will contain some level of lycopene.

It is possible that certain vitamin supplements may reduce the overall risk of prostate cancer though current studies are rather contradictory in their conclusions. Some studies suggest that taking a daily dose of 50mg (400 IU) vitamin E can lower risk. Though other studies concluded that regular intake of vitamin E had no impact on cancer risk and might actually increase the risk of certain forms of heart disease.

The situation with respect ot vitamin suplements is always complex and current studies indicate that regular intake of vitamin A suplements may actually increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Masturbation/Ejaculation

A recent Australian study has indicated that men who masturbated regularly in their early 20s were at significantly lower risk of developing prostate cancer later in life. This may be because of the relatively high levels of reactive metals (notably calcium and zinc) found in prostate gland secretions which could be harmful if maintained in the prostate over a long time. Though the real reason behind this study's findings is not entirely understood.

Medication

This is perhaps the most controversial method for controlling prostate cancer and the jury is still out as regards its efficacy. The theory is that, as androgens (male hormones) are known to be important in promoting the growth of normal and cancerous prostate cells and may play a part in the development of prostate cancers reducing the levels of these hormones may be beneficial in prostate cancer prevention.

Current studies have focussed on a drug called finasteride which is an enzyme inhibitor and is already used o treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This is a potent androgen inhibitor and a large study has been underway to study 18 000 men (half taking the drug and half taking placebo) to examine the effects of finasteride. The study itself lasted for seven years and was conducted double-blind (so that neither the physician nor the trial volunteer knew whether they were taking the drug or placebo).

At the end of the study it emerged that the men taking finasteride were 25% ess likely to have developed prostate cancer than those getting the placebo. However, the cancers that did develop in the men taking finasteride seemed to be of a type that were more likely to mestastasize (grow and spread). he men taking finasteride were more likely to experience sexual side effects, such as decreased sexual desire and episodes of impotence, than those taking placebo. But they were less likely to have urinary problems.

The use of drugs as a preventative measure is still controversial and often the results of studies such as the one above seem confusing and contradictory where the benefit of a drug may not be clear cut.