Prostate Cancer

Causes & Prevention

Overweight Men Have a Higher Death Rate From Prostate Cancer

Over weight people have a higher risk factor for certain types of cancer; such as, breast, colon cancer, or prostate cancer. Now scientists have found that men with prostate cancer, who are also over weight, have a 260% higher chance of dying (a 2.6 fold higher risk). This fact is independent of other issues which may have caused their death; i.e. stage and grade of the tumor, or types of treatment provided.

What Does It Mean When Medical Experts Say "Race" Is A Risk Factor For Certain Diseases?

Editor's Note:

"Race" is sometimes mentioned as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers and a number of other diseases. When you read this in a discussion about an illness, note that the explanation seldom refers to anything biological. Instead, it usually refers to behavior, such as eating habits. The kinds of behavior usually mentioned as risk factors are culturally determined. They are not genetic or biological.

Exploring the Link Between Diet and Cancer

THE link between the human diet and cancer presents an intriguing puzzle for scientists. Research indicates that different foods and how they are prepared can increase a person’s risk for cancer. Cooked muscle meats such as beef, pork, and fowl are one such food. They contain a class of tumor-causing mutagens called heterocyclic amines that target specific organs. For example, 2amino-1-methyl-6-phenylimidazol[4,5-b]pyridine (PhIP), the most abundant mutagen produced in cooked foods, may cause tumors in the breast, prostate, and colon of laboratory animals. Scientists have yet to explain the connection, but a Livermore team funded by the National Cancer Institute is finding new evidence to solve this puzzle.

Lycopene Connection (tomato juice) with emphysema and prostate cancer

US FDA last year allowed some tomato products to carry highly-qualified labeling claims linking tomato products with reduced incidence of prostate cancer. Research team studies mechanisms of nutrients in human disease and lifestyle. Feeding tomato juice to mice kept them from developing emphysema after cigarette smoke exposure that was long enough to induce emphysema in a control group, Japanese researchers report in February issue of the American Journal of Physiology-Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology.