Prostate Cancer - Causes

The prostate gland is found only in men, which is located just below the bladder. Tube through which urine flows from the bladder, urinate when going forward through the prostate gland then through the penis. The prostate gland can become enlarged in many men as they grow, which then causes difficulty in urination.

The work of the prostate gland is to produce fluid, which is part of the semen and helps to nourish sperm. The prostate gland sits in front of the back passage or rectum, which is why, if a doctor wants to examine the prostate gland, they feel like it put your finger in the back passage. This is also called a digital rectal examination or DRE for short. Sense of the prostate gland doctor can tell how cancer is increasing and if it feels normal or cancer, it may give an indication of prostate cancer, if it exists.

Cells in the prostate gland are constantly paying to replace the old with new, but sometimes this process can get out of control. Cancer is the name of cells that have lost control of their renewal process and start to grow uncontrollably. They grow in a group of cells called tumors. As cells grow, they may begin to invade surrounding tissues. This process is called as entered in the "malignant" fashion. Cells can break off a tumor and spread to other parts of the body, usually through the bloodstream. Cells can grow when they are established, often in remote parts of the body such as bone or brain. These deposits are called "secondaries" or "metastases". These deposits are not new cancers, but are groups of cancerous cells spread from the original or "primary" prostate cancer.

Most often, prostate cancer in this process of tumor growth followed by an invasion then metastases is relatively slow and may occur over many months or years. Therefore, some men may have prostate cancer, but never a problem because of it, ie their prostate cancer grows so slowly that other diseases or illnesses (eg heart attack or stroke) can lead to problems or even death before prostate cancer was developed enough to cause symptoms or spread of prostate cancer. With modern treatment, most men with early prostate cancer can be cured in more than prostate cancer can be controlled and the invasion process slows even more. Rates of prostate cancer survival vary greatly worldwide, though the opening of 3rd world countries is often poorly cataloged.

The cause of prostate cancer is not known. What is known are the characteristics of those men who are prone to develop prostate problems. They are known as "risk factors", ie people with these characteristics are at greater risk of developing cancer. However, it is important to realize that all people are at risk of prostate cancer and even young people who have no history of cancer in the family may develop prostate cancer.

Age

Age is a major risk factor for development of prostate cancer. As men get older they have a higher chance of developing all cancers, including prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is very uncommon under the age of 50 years, four of every ten men who are 70 years or older will have the disease. Many of these people will live normally without knowing they have prostate cancer and without giving them any symptoms or shorten their lifespan.

Hormones

We know that male hormones tend to stimulate the development of prostate cancer and prostate cancer is very rare in men who were castrated before the age of 40 years. This is likely to be as normal prostate gland is affected by male sex hormones in performing their normal functions in the body. Cells of prostate cancer origin and has some features similar to normal prostate cells, including being influenced by male hormones.

Race

Prostate cancer is seen more frequently in certain ethnic groups eg Afro-Americans.

Diet

Diet may influence the development of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is more common in men who have "Western" diet high in saturated fats. Saturated fats are found in red meats such as beef, lamb, etc. and some dairy products such as butter and things made with butter as cakes, biscuits, etc., and also in highly processed foods such as ready foods. It seems that men who have a diet high in saturated fat are at increased risk of developing prostate cancer. It is also widely believed that a diet high in fruits and vegetables helps prevent many cancers. This can be through the action of cancer protective chemicals found in many fruits and vegetables, known as anti-oxidants. This is one reason it is recommended that we include five servings of fruits and vegetables in our diet every day.

Genetic

Prostate problems also tend to run in some families who can offer part of the reason for certain types of prostate cancer is a genetic or hereditary. If your father or brother has prostate cancer, the risk of developing it is approximately twice that of the general population. However, only a small number of all prostate cancers are caused by a defective gene and occur at random.

SUMMARY OF REASONS prostate cancer

Age (prostate cancer is more common in men older)

Female hormones (uncommon cancer of the prostate in castrated males)

Ethnic groups (prostate cancer more often in African-Americans)

Genetic (prostate cancer can run in families)

Diet