Early Detection of Prostrate Cancer

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.