PROSTATE CANCER

BRIEF BACKGROUND OF PROSTATE CANCER

• In 1853, J. Adams, a surgeon at The London Hospital, described the
first case of prostate cancer. J Adams noted in his report that this
condition was a very rare disease. Today, 165 years later, prostate
cancer has become a significant health problem. In the United States,
it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, with 180,000 new
cases and about 31,000 deaths occurring annually according to
studies and surveys.

• Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow
uncontrollably. The prostate is a gland found only in males. It makes
some of the fluid that is part of semen. It is the second leading cause
of death from cancer for men. Prostate cancer occurs more often in
African-American men than in white men.
TYPES OF PROSTATE CANCER

• Almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas. These

cancers develop from the gland cells (the cells that make the
prostate fluid that is added to the semen).
• Other types of prostate cancer include:
• Sarcomas
• Small cell carcinomas
• Neuroendocrine tumors (other than small cell carcinomas)
• Transitional cell carcinomas
These other types of prostate cancer are rare. Detection of
most prostate cancer is almost certain to be an
adenocarcinoma.
 DEVELOPMENT OF PROSTATE CANCER
• Research suggests that prostate cancer starts out as a pre-cancerous
condition, although this is not yet known for sure as more studies are still
being carried. These conditions are sometimes found when a man has a
prostate biopsy (removal of small pieces of the prostate to look for
cancer).
Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN)
• In PIN, there are changes in how the prostate gland cells look under a
microscope, but the abnormal cells don’t look like they are growing into
other parts of the prostate (like cancer cells would). Based on how
abnormal the patterns of cells look, they are classified as:
• Low-grade PIN: the patterns of prostate cells appear almost normal
• High-grade PIN: the patterns of cells look more abnormal
• PIN begins to appear in the prostates of some men as early as in their 20s.
• Many men begin to develop low-grade PIN when they are
younger but don’t necessarily develop prostate cancer. The
possible link between low-grade PIN and prostate cancer is
still unclear.
• If high-grade PIN is found in your prostate biopsy sample,
there is about a 20% chance that you also have cancer in
another area of your prostate.
• Proliferative inflammatory atrophy (PIA)
• In PIA, the prostate cells look smaller than normal, and there
are signs of inflammation in the area. PIA is not cancer, but
researchers believe that PIA may sometimes lead to high-
grade PIN, or perhaps to prostate cancer directly.
Prostate cancer risk factors
• A risk factor is anything that affects your chance of getting a disease such as
prostate cancer. Different cancers have different risk factors.
• Researchers have found several factors that might affect a man’s risk of
getting prostate cancer.
• Age
Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 40, but the chance of having
prostate cancer rises rapidly after age 50. About 6 in 10 cases of prostate
cancer are found in men older than 65.
• Race/ethnicity
Prostate cancer occurs more often in African-American men and in Caribbean
men of African ancestry than in men of other races. African-American men are
also more than twice as likely to die of prostate cancer as white men.
Prostate cancer occurs less often in Asian-American and Hispanic/Latino men
than in non-Hispanic whites. The reasons for these racial and ethnic
differences are not clear.
• Geography
• Prostate cancer is most common in North America,
northwestern Europe, Australia, and on Caribbean
islands. It is less common in Asia, Africa, Central
America, and South America. The reasons for this are
not clear. More intensive screening in some developed
countries probably accounts for at least part of this
difference, but other factors such as lifestyle differences
(diet, etc.) are likely to be important as well. For
example, Asian Americans have a lower risk of prostate
cancer than white Americans, but their risk is higher
than that of men of similar backgrounds living in Asia.
• Family history
• Prostate cancer seems to run in some families, which
suggests that in some cases there may be an inherited
or genetic factor. (Still, most prostate cancers occur in
men without a family history of it.)Having a father or
brother with prostate cancer more than doubles a
man’s risk of developing this disease. (The risk is higher
for men who have a brother with the disease than for
those who have a father with it.) The risk is much
higher for men with several affected relatives,
particularly if their relatives were young when the
cancer was found.
• Gene changes
• Several inherited gene changes seem to raise
prostate cancer risk, but they probably account
for only a small percentage of cases overall. For
example
• Men with Lynch syndrome (also known as
hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer, or
HNPCC), a condition caused by inherited gene
changes, have an increased risk for a number of
cancers, mostly prostate cancer.
PREVENTING PROSTATE CANCER BY FITNESS PROGRAM

Obesity and a high-fat diet promote prostate

cancer progression by increasing the activity of
cancer genes
Metabolites from a fatty diets join forces with the cancer-driving
gene to reprogram prostate cancer cells to grow faster, this was
found after a study was conducted. This discovery solidifies a
direct link between obesity and lethal prostate cancer. This in a
way emphasizes the importance of working out and having a
fitness program.
• Exercise helps to:
•Reduce anxiety and fatigue
•Improve self-esteem
•Increase feelings of optimism
•Improve heart health
•Maintain a healthy weight
•Boost muscle strength and endurance
It was found that Excess fat promotes insulin
resistance, which reduces levels of IGF(insulin like
growth factor) binding proteins that stimulate
prostate cancer cell death.
•Men with advanced prostate cancer or with
disease that has recurred can begin
incorporating healthy diet and regular exercise
into their regular routines to help slow the
progression of disease,
• There is limited direct proof of the effectiveness
of such changes but it is to rationally make
dietary and exercise changes in a way that
complement any ongoing treatments.
 ALTERNATIVE TREATMENT FOR PROSTATE CANCER
• Lycopene is a powerful antioxidant. It's found in abundance in some
fruits and vegetables, particularly cooked tomatoes. Some studies show
that people who eat diets high in tomatoes and other fruits high in
lycopene have lower cancer rates, and some researchers even believe
lycopene may retard the growth of prostate tumors.

• tomato-based products such as soups, pasta, and juices can increase

levels of the antioxidant lycopene in the prostate gland.
• Drinking beverages such as pomegranate juice and green and black tea
can increase levels of antioxidant-containing polyphenols. The
• cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, wasabi
mustard, and horseradish all contain substances that may induce
protective proteins in your liver and tissues, while vitamins, minerals,
extracts of fruits
• In the U.S., men have relied more on the herb saw palmetto than on
other natural therapies for relief from enlarged prostate. Men
participating in several studies had better results when taking saw
palmetto as compared to taking placebo. Saw palmetto hasn't been
shown to prevent or treat prostate cancer.
• The African plum tree is also known as Pygeum africanum. Its bark
has traditionally been used in African cultures to treat urinary and
bladder problems associated with BPH(enlarged Prostate). In Europe
and some parts of America, extract from the African plum tree bark
is extensively used. It's been reported to reduce symptoms
associated with BPH such as having to get up frequently at night to
urinate or frequent urination during the day. Use of this herb for
health reasons is so widespread around the world that the African
plum tree is now endangered.
• Diet Tips for Prostate Health
• Eat Fruits and Vegetables
• Fruits and vegetables contain large amounts of cancer-fighting and
inflammation-reducing substances like vitamins, polyphenols,
antioxidants, minerals and natural fiber. Most men and women do not
consume the recommended daily intake of fruits and vegetables. If you
are working to change the way you eat, aim to make manageable
changes. Try to include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your diet.
• Cruciferous vegetables (includes broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels
sprouts, kale and cabbage) have phytochemicals that reduce
Oxidative stress or oxygen free radicals in the body which means a
lower risk of prostate cancer and its aggression
• Carrots are rich in nutrients and contain antioxidants beta-carotene
and falcarinol that reduce the risk of cancer
• Tomatoes are a rich source of a phytochemical called lycopene which
attacks free radicals helping the body lower the risk of prostate
cancer and its aggression
• Mushrooms help fight cancer by building the immune system with a
supply of compounds called beta glucan and proteins called lectin
which have shown to attack cancer cells
• Pomegranates, particularly pomegranate juice, have been shown to slow
PSA doubling time and may help prevent prostate cancer recurrence
after primary treatment
• Grapes and grape juice are rich sources of resveratrol, a type of natural
phytochemical that belongs to a larger group of phytochemicals called
polyphenols that possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
properties
• Grapefruit contains several phytochemicals including naringenin,
limonene, beta-carotene and lycopene
• Oranges, lemons and other citrus fruits help protect against DNA-
damaging free radicals because they contain hundreds of bioactive
compounds including flavonoids and monoterpenes
• Avocados contain the highest amount of the carotenoid luteinutein of all
common fruit
• Peppers and jalapenos contain a chemical, capsaicin, which neutralizes
certain cancer causing substances
• Apples are a good source of fiber, vitamin C and contain quercetin, a
flavonoid that shows both anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
• on a Budget.
• Berries (raspberries and blueberries) are an excellent source of
vitamins C and K, manganese and a good source of fiber and
blueberries are among the fruits highest in antioxidant power
because of the many phytochemicals they contain
• Limit Consumption of Animal Protein
• Diets high in red meat, dairy products and animal fat have
frequently been connected with the development of prostate
cancer. Red meat (such as beef, pork, and lamb) is particularly
tied to aggressive prostate cancer.
• Seek Plant Protein
• Plant-based protein like beans, flax and nuts contain quercetin
and lignans that suppress the growth of many kinds of cancer
including prostate cancer.
• Green Tea
• Green tea contains polyphenols and flavonoids which are strong antioxidants. Tea is the
best source of catechins which are being studied for their anti-cancer properties. Green
tea has been shows to slow and/or prevent the development of prostate cancer.
• Whole Grains
• Whole grains include brown rice, oatmeal, corn, whole wheat bread, barley, bulgar,
kasha, millet, faro, quinoa, and more. Whole grains are great sources of fiber and
magnesium and provide protein. Choose food made with whole grain over processed
foods.
• Limit Sugary Drinks
• Cutting down on surgery carbonated beverages and drinking water can speed
metabolism and flush the body of cancer-causing substances.
• Choose Organic Foods when Possible
• Organically grown food is free of harmful chemicals and pesticides, including BPA, a
known prostate cancer carcinogen. Organically grown foods have more nutrients than
usually taste better.
REFERENCE LISTS

• https://zerocancer.org/learn/about-prostate-cancer/facts-statistics/
• http://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostatecancer/detailedguide/prostat
e-cancer-what-is-prostate-cancer
• http://www.genesishealth.com/care-
treatment/cancer/treat/prostate/facts/
• https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4124639/