September is Prostate cancer awareness Month- looking at the risk factors

Sep 7th, 2009

September is prostate cancer awareness month. Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer, is the most common cancer in American men. About 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed during his life time. American Cancer Society estimates that in the United States for 2009 about 192,280 new cases will be diagnosed and 27,360 men will die of cancer.

Prostate cancer forms in tissues of the prostate (a gland in the male reproductive system found below the bladder and in front of the rectum).

There are different risk factors:

Age

Generally men should begin testing for cancer at age 45. As men become older, the risk increases.
Family History

Men with a father or brother that has been diagnosed with prostate cancer have more than twice the risk of being diagnosed. If a man has three or more relatives, they are almost guaranteed to get prostate cancer.
Race

Rates of cancer in U.S. are 60 percent higher among African-American men. Studies are being conducted on potential differences in physiology, diet, and access to care.
Diet and Obesity

Studies suggest that diets high in saturated fat or dairy fat may be one of the greatest factors contributing to prostate cancer. On the other hand, polyunsaturated fats such as Omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent the disease.
Chemical Exposures

People exposed to chemicals such as pesticides (ex. methyl bromide) and herbicides (ex. Agent Orange) may have higher than average rates of prostate cancer.