Prostate Cancer (cont.)
What causes prostate
cancer?
The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but the cancer is
thought not to be related to benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). The risk
(predisposing) factors for prostate cancer include advancing age, genetics
(heredity), hormonal influences, and such environmental factors as toxins,
chemicals, and industrial products. The chances of developing prostate cancer
increase with age. Thus, prostate cancer under age 40 is extremely rare, while
it is common in men older than 80 years of age. As a matter of fact, some
studies have suggested that among men over 80, between 50 and 80% of
them may have prostate cancer!
Genetics (heredity), as just mentioned, plays a role in
the risk of developing a prostate cancer. For example, black American men have
a higher risk of getting prostate cancer than do Japanese or white American
men. Environment, diet, and other unknown factors, however, can modify such
genetic predispositions. For example, prostate cancer is uncommon in Japanese
men living in their native Japan. However, when these men move to the United
States, their incidence of prostate cancer rises significantly. Prostate cancer
is also more common among family members of individuals with prostate cancer.
Thus, a person whose father, grandfather, or even uncle has prostate cancer is
at an increased risk for also developing prostate cancer. To date, however, no
specific prostate cancer gene has been identified and verified. (Genes, which
are situated on chromosomes within the nucleus of cells, are the chemical compounds that
determine specific traits in individuals.)
Testosterone, the male hormone, directly stimulates the
growth of both normal prostate tissue and prostate cancer cells. Not
surprisingly, therefore, this hormone is thought to be involved in the
development and growth of prostate cancer. The important implication of the
role of this hormone is that decreasing the level of testosterone should be
(and usually is) effective in inhibiting the growth of prostate cancer.
Environmental factors, such as cigarette smoking and diets
that are high in saturated fat, seem to increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Additional substances or toxins in the environment or from industrial sources
might also promote the development of prostate cancer, but these have not yet
been clearly identified.
Next: What are the symptoms of prostate cancer? »
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