Who Is At Risk For Prostate Cancer
Certain men are at higher risk than others for prostate cancer, which may affect when they should start being screened. The risk increases with age, particularly after age 50. Some risk factors include:
- African American men are twice as likely as white men to develop the disease.
- Having a family history a father or a brother diagnosed with prostate cancer, particularly if it is at a relatively early age increases the risk.
- Having a family history of breast and ovarian cancer may also be associated with an inherited risk of developing prostate cancer
- High-fat diet and/or obesity
Is There A Link Between Melanoma And Prostate Cancer
It seems that theres a correlation between Melanoma and Prostate Cancer. And a study recently demonstrated this link.1 Powerful and comprehensive, the study looked at a 36 year period .
It involved interviewing 144,000 men with either or both diagnoses. Those conducting the research found that men who had received a melanoma diagnosis had a 25% increased chance of later developing prostate cancer. These men were compared to those who hadnt been given a previous melanoma diagnosis.
While this may seem significant its not necessarily a straightforward link.
- If youve had a melanoma in the past, will this increase your chances of developing prostate cancer or another cancer type that hasnt been researched yet?
- Are the suns UV rays contributing to the development of both melanoma and prostate cancer?
- Perhaps the men who were diagnosed with melanoma are now more careful with their health, so they visit their GP more regularly and theyre more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier?
These are all valid questions. But no one can really answer them yet.
However, the good news is that the findings can be added to all the data weve collected so far. So, in the future doctors will be able to provide you with more information on cancer links and their risk factors.
What can you do now to take better care of yourself? Its simple. If youre a man with a history of melanoma, make an appointment with your GP to discuss your prostate for added peace of mind.
Scientists Identify Suspect Protein As A Marker For Prostate Cancer Progression
Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of global cancer-related deaths among men. While a standard systemic therapy called “androgen deprivation therapy” is widely administered to reduce the level of androgenthe male hormone responsible for the development of PC in the body by surgical or chemical castration, most individuals stop responding to such treatment and experience the emergence of a castration-resistant PC that rapidly progresses into a highly aggressive form with no known effective treatment protocol. A novel biomarker that can predict such a progression effectively is, therefore, highly sought after.
Against this backdrop, researchers led by Dr. Wookbong Kwon, Seong-Kyoon Choi, and Song from Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology , and Prof. Zae Young Ryoo from Kyungpook National University, Korea, addressed this issue in a study recently published in the Journal of Experimental & Clinical Cancer Research, identifying a protein called zinc finger protein 507 as the primary contributor to the progression of PC to its aggressive form.
On diminishing the expression of ZNF507 in tumors developed from PC cells in mice, the weight of the tumors reduced dramatically, indicating the effect of the protein in PC.
Explore further
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How Common Is Prostate Cancer
About one in nine men will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis during his lifetime. Prostate cancer is second only to skin cancer as the most common cancer affecting males. Close to 200,000 American men receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer every year. There are many successful treatments and some men dont need treatment at all. Still, approximately 33,000 men die from the disease every year.
Prostate Cancer Linked To Skin Cancer
Men with prostate cancer have increased risk for melanoma
Researchers from the National Cancer Institute and various universities have found that men with prostate cancer have a significantly increased risk for developing melanoma, a skin cancer that starts in the pigment-producing skin cells.
This conclusion was determined after a retrospective analysis of medical data involving more than 60,000 men. The researchers reviewed data from two studies dating back to the 1980s and determined that men with prostate cancer were twice as likely to develop melanoma. However, men with melanoma were not at an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. Results were published online in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
Researchers suspect that high levels of androgens may be the cause for the increased risk of melanoma in these men. Androgens are male reproductive system hormones. Prostate cancer is a recognized androgen-related cancer. Likewise, melanoma is suspected to be androgen dependent. More studies are needed.
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Consumer Health: Are You At Risk For Prostate Cancer
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, which make thisa good time to learn more about the risk factors for prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer will affect 1 in 8 men, according to the American Cancer Society. After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the U.S.
The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and are confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause serious harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly.
Factors that can increase your risk of prostate cancer include:
If you’re concerned about your risk, you may be interested in prostate cancer prevention. While there’s no proven prevention strategy, you can reduce your risk of prostate cancer by making healthy choices regarding your diet, weight and exercise.
Connect with others talking about prostate cancer, screening and treatments in the Prostate Cancer support group on Mayo Clinic Connect, an online patient community moderated by Mayo Clinic.
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer diagnosed in men, and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men, after lung cancer.
The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds part of the urethra . The prostate gland produces fluid that makes up part of semen.
According to the National Cancer Institute , almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas . Prostate cancer often has no early symptoms. Advanced prostate cancer can cause men to urinate more often or have a weaker flow of urine, but these symptoms can also be caused by benign prostate conditions.
Because of effective screening options for prostate cancer, the disease is often caught before it spreads, and as a whole, survival rates are good for this type of cancer.
The NCIs Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program estimates that more than 248,530 men in the United States will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 34,130 men will die of the disease in 2021.
Prostate cancer is more common in older men. It is more likely to occur in men with a family history of prostate cancer and in men of African-American descent. Other risk factors include smoking, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise. In the United States, about 11 percent of men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point during their lifetimes.
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How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed
Screenings are the most effective way to catch prostate cancer early. If you are at average cancer risk, youll probably have your first prostate screening at age 55. Your healthcare provider may start testing earlier if you have a family history of the disease or are Black. Screening is generally stopped after age 70, but may be continued in certain circumstances.
Screening tests for prostate cancer include:
- Digital rectal exam: Your provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and feels the prostate gland, which sits in front of the rectum. Bumps or hard areas could indicate cancer.
- Prostate-specific antigen blood test: The prostate gland makes a protein called protein-specific antigen . Elevated PSA levels may indicate cancer. Levels also rise if you have BPH or prostatitis.
- Biopsy: A needle biopsy to sample tissue for cancer cells is the only sure way to diagnose prostate cancer. During an MRI-guided prostate biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging technology provides detailed images of the prostate.
Does Dairy Cause Or Prevent Cancer An Objective Look
Cancer risk is strongly affected by diet.
Many studies have examined the relationship between dairy consumption and cancer.
Some studies indicate that dairy may protect against cancer, while others suggest that dairy may increase cancer risk.
The most commonly consumed dairy products include milk, cheese, yogurt, cream and butter.
This article reviews the evidence linking dairy products with cancer, looking at both sides of the argument.
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What Are Common Risk Factors For Prostate Cancer
As I mentioned earlier, I most commonly see prostate cancer in men over 60. And like many other types of cancer, prostate cancer risks increase as you get older. Other risk factors can include:
- A family history of prostate cancer If you have a close family member, such as a father or brother, with prostate cancer, youre 2 to 3 times more likely than other men to develop prostate cancer .
- Genetics Many of my patients often ask if prostate cancer is hereditary. Hereditary prostate cancer does exist, but only 5 to 10 percent of all prostate cancers are hereditary due to a single inherited gene mutation.
- Race Black men are at a higher risk of prostate cancer than men of other races, and were not sure why.
- Obesity Obese men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer may be more likely to have an advanced cancer thats more difficult to treat.
Prostate Cancer: Symptoms And Signs
Prostate cancer needs a medical diagnosis to confirm if the person is prone to dangerous cancer called prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer can occur without showing any sign or symptom of its own but the severe damage is however happening in the gland that would simply showcase all the pain and panic at sudden sometime after.
There are certain signs and symptoms that can make a person doubt their prostate cancer.
Frequent urination is called Nocturia.
Weak or interrupted urine flow or the need to strain to empty the bladder, dribbling, or hesitant urination.
The urge to urinate frequently at night.
Blood in the urine.
New onset of erectile dysfunction.
Pain or burning during urination is called dysuria which is much less common.
Blood in the urine.
Discomfort or pain when sitting, caused by an enlarged prostate
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You Could Develop Digestive Issues If You Eat Cheese Every Day
Cheese is one of the most common irritants of the digestive system, in large part due to the lactose found in cheese, and most dairy products, according to Everyday Health.
Believe it or not, a majority of adults have at least some issue with lactose. According to the United States National Library of Medicine, Approximately 65 percent of the human population has a reduced ability to digest lactose after infancy. So, whether youve been diagnosed as lactose intolerant or not, theres a good chance that you are or at least have some difficulty digesting dairy products. This is unfortunate news for those who eat cheese every day.
You may notice bloating, cramping, or diarrhea after you eat cheese or another dairy product, as Healthline reported, which signals an issue digesting lactose. Keep that in mind the next time you order baked brie for an appetizer.
For Starters Lets Talk About What The Prostate Is And What It Does
What is the prostate? The prostate is an important organ in the male reproductive system. The prostate is positioned just below the bladder.
What does the prostate do? The prostate plays a role in the production and emission of semen. In young men, the prostate is about the size of a walnut. As men age, the prostate usually grows larger.
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Does Melanoma Lead To Prostate Cancer
According to the study, cases of melanoma did not lead to an increased risk for prostate cancer. These findings were somewhat surprising, given that there is a clear relationship between prostate cancer and melanoma risk. Because of this lack of a causational relationship going both ways, researchers have considered that perhaps something else is leading to the rise in melanoma after prostate cancer.
Parkinsons Disease Linked To Prostate And Skin Cancer
University of Utah School of Medicine researchers have found compelling evidence that Parkinsons disease is associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer and melanoma, and that this increased cancer risk also extends to close and distant relatives of individuals with Parkinsons disease. Although a link between Parkinsons disease and melanoma has been suspected before, this is the first time that an increased risk of prostate cancer has been reported in Parkinsons disease.
Parkinsons disease is a progressive neurologic condition that leads to tremors and difficulty with walking, movement, and coordination. Most studies demonstrate that individuals with PD have an overall decreased rate of cancer, with the notable exception of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. Previous research has suggested a possible genetic link between PD and melanoma, but these studies have been limited to first-degree relatives who often share a similar environment, making it difficult to distinguish between genetic and environmental risk factors.
The Utah Population Database includes birth, death, and family relationship data for over 2.2 million individuals, including genealogy data from the original Utah pioneers. Some of the records in this computerized database extend back over 15 generations, making the UPDB a useful resource for studying genetic risk. The UPDB is also linked with the Utah Cancer Registry and Utah death certificates dating back to 1904.
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Screening For Prostate Cancer
While there is no known way to prevent prostate cancer, you should discuss the pros and cons of prostate-specific antigen screening with your doctor. PSA, a protein produced by cells in the prostate gland, may be elevated in men with prostate cancer. Men with a higher risk for prostate cancer should consider PSA testing at age 40, while all men should consider it once they reach 45.
Large Epidemiological Studies Show Cheese Doesnt Worsen The Risk Of Heart Disease Diabetes Or Most Cancers
Similar but varied results were found for cancer. Separate meta-analyses of cheese intake on endometrial, colorectal, and all-cause cancer mortality found no association between cheese intake and increased risk of cancer . There is one notable exception to this rule, however. Multiple meta-analyses have found that regular cheese intake is associated with increased risk of prostate cancer. Its also important to note that dairy consumption has also shown an increased risk of breast cancer, though this association hasnt been found for cheese alone.
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Can Prostate Cancer Treatment Affect Your Quality Of Life
Your age and overall health will make a difference in how treatment may affect your quality of life. Any health problems you have before youre treated, especially urinary, bowel or sexual function problems, will affect how you recover. Both surgery and radiation can cause urinary incontinence or impotence .
Clinical Contributors To This Story
contributes to topics such as Cancer Care, Men’s Health.
About one man in eight will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point during his life. Its the most common cancer among men after skin cancer and the second-leading cause of cancer-related death in men after lung cancer.
These numbers may seem scary, but the good news is it can often be treated successfully.
While prostate cancer is very common, and while there are people who pass away from it, the therapies and treatments we have are phenomenal for prostate cancer, says , medical director of urologic oncology, Jersey Shore University Medical Center and Ocean Medical Center.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you might wonder why or what caused it. Unfortunately, this is something researchers and doctors are still trying to understand.
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What Are Prostate Cancer Treatment Side Effects
Some prostate cancer treatments can affect the bladder, erectile nerves and sphincter muscle, which controls urination. Potential problems include:
- Incontinence: Some men experience urinary incontinence. You may leak urine when you cough or laugh, or you may feel an urgent need to use the bathroom even when your bladder isnt full. This problem can improve over the first six to 12 months without treatment.
- Erectile dysfunction : Surgery, radiation and other treatments can damage the erectile nerves and affect your ability to get or maintain an erection. Some men regain erectile function within a year or two . In the meantime, medications like sildenafil or tadalafil can help by increasing blood flow to the penis.
- Infertility: Treatments can affect your ability to produce or ejaculate sperm, resulting in male infertility. If you think you might want children in the future, you can preserve sperm in a sperm bank before you start treatments. After treatments, you may undergo sperm extraction. This procedure involves removing sperm directly from testicular tissue and implanting it into a womans uterus.