Explore the Causes of Prostate Cancer
The prostate is a tiny gland located underneath the bladder in men. It is a part of the reproductive system. Prostate cancer develops in men later in life. This kind of cancer develops slowly on your prostate gland.
Under rare circumstances, the cancer cells may become more aggressive. It can also grow faster and even spread to other areas of body. Detection of this cancer at an earlier stage will make treatment easier.
As per the Urology Care Foundation, cancer of prostate is the second most common cause of all cancer-related deaths among American men. Around 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with the disease in their entire lifetime.
Around 1 in 39 men will die from this cancer. According to a research, it is found that most deaths occur among older men.
What Causes Prostate Cancer?
The exact cause of prostate cancer is not known. However, there are a set of risk factors that may increase the chances of developing prostate cancer by turning prostate cells into cancer cells.
Changes in DNA
On a basic level, the cause of prostate cancer can be seen as changes in the DNA (chemical in body cells that makes up human genes) of a normal prostate cell. DNA controls the way in which body cells function. The reason children look like their parents is because they are the primary source of their DNA. However, DNA also affects more than one’s appearance.
Certain genes have the power to control as cells grow, divide into new cells, and even die. Some of the genes (oncogenes) will help with growth in cells, divide, and stay alive.
A specific category of genes are known as tumor suppressor genes. These control cell growth, repair mistakes in DNA, or even extermination of cells at the right time.
DNA Mutations
DNA mutations are known to keep oncogenes turned on. It can also turn off tumor suppressor genes. These genes may cause cells growing out of control. Changes in DNA are either inherited from a parent or acquired by an individual during his lifetime.
Acquired Gene Mutations
Certain genes have a tendency to mutate during a person’s lifetime. These acquired mutations related to prostate cancer develop during a man’s life than being inherited.
As per a research, it is revealed that men with high levels of another hormone, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) may get prostate cancer.
Geographical Location
Place of residence may also have an impact on risk of developing prostate cancer. It is revealed that Asian men living in America have reduced chances of developing the disease as compared to those of other races. Asian men living in Asia have lesser chances of developing this cancer. As per the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is more common in the following regions:
- North America
- The Caribbean
- Northwestern Europe
- Australia
- Africa
- Central America
- South America
The Prostate Cancer Foundation has also revealed that men in America living north of 40 degrees latitude are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and dying from it as compared to those living farther south. Reduced levels of sunlight and vitamin D received by men in northern climates can be a reason. Vitamin D deficiency is also known to increase overall risk for prostate cancer.
Race and Ethnicity
Studies and research show that race and ethnicity may be risk factors among men for developing prostate cancer. As per studies conducted by the American Cancer Society, it is revealed that in the United States, Asian-American and Latino men are at the lowest risk of developing prostate cancer. On the other hand, African-American men are known to be more at risk of developing the disease as compared to men belonging to other races and ethnicities.
Men belonging to this ethnicity are also more likely to be diagnosed at a later stage. They have a poor outcome. Hence, they are also at greater risk of dying from prostate cancer as compared to white men.
Family History
Prostate cancer may be caused by inherited gene mutations. Hence, if prostate cancer runs in the family, you’re at increased risk of developing it. As per the American Cancer Society, around 5-10% of prostate cancer cases are caused by inherited mutations. The cancer is linked to inherited mutations in the following genes:
- RNASEL (HPCI)
- BRCA1 and BRCA2
- MSH2, MLH1
- HOXB13
Age
Age is definitely one of the biggest risk factors for prostate cancer. The cancer is rare among young men. As per the reports of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, it is revealed that only 1 in 10,000 men under the age of 40 will develop this cancer in the United States. As men cross the age of 40, this number jumps from 1 in 38 for men until the age of 59. After crossing the age 60, the number leaps to 1 in 14 men until the age 69. Most cases of prostate cancer is diagnosed among men over 65 years of age.
Diet
The risk of prostate cancer increases among those who consume a diet rich in red meat and high-fat dairy products. According to a study in the year 2010, around 101 cases of prostate cancer were related to consumption of a diet high in meat and high-fat dairy products. However, more research is needed for proof.
A study was conducted in the year 2017. It researched diet of 525 men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer. The result found a relation between high-fat milk consumption and the progression of the cancer.
It is also revealed that men consuming diets high in meat and high-fat dairy products do not focus much on eating fruits and vegetables which may lead to prostate cancer.
Conclusion
Above mentioned are the major causes and risk factors of developing prostate cancer. The cancer is more common among older men. Although considered to be fatal, early detection and proper treatment under medical guidance can result in men recovering well from the disease.
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