Prostate Cancer Cause

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death among American men. Each year some new 200,000 cases are diagnosed and approximately 30,000 to 45,000 men die each year as a result of prostate cancer. At this time there is no one isolated known prostate cancer cause, however; researchers are diligently searching for a prostate cancer cause in hopes that that once the cause is established more proactive means can be taken to preventing prostate cancer.

What is known about prostate cancer has led researchers to form some initial theories regarding prostate cancer cause stimulators. The prostate is a gland that is located in the pelvic region of mails between the anus and the penis, behind the bladder. The purpose of the prostate is to produce the fluid that is ejaculated during male orgasm, containing sperm. It is currently believed that there is a high correlation between prostate cancer cause and the relationship of the prostate to the male reproductive system. Many years ago researchers noted that men who were castrated before they reached the age of puberty did not develop prostate problems, including prostate cancer. This observation has led to the link between prostate cancer cause and male hormones, especially testosterone.

Race also appears to be a prostate cancer cause, although researchers are sure exactly why this is the case. Black Americans have the highest instances of prostate cancer deaths, followed by Caucasians and Hispanics. Japan has one of the lowest instances of prostate cancer in the world. This is fueling speculation that a diet rich in omega 3 oils that you get from eating a diet with fish at least three times per week is a possible prevention of prostate cancer. Not is the Japanese diet rich in fish, it is also rich in soy products, which are showing promise as a natural way to prevent prostate enlargement and cancer. There have been many studies conducted that indicate that a diet rich in soy protein stops the enlargement of the prostate gland. The studies that suggest the soy link to baldness are just a sidebar to the overall goal of finding an adequate prevention for prostate cancer.

A fairly new study indicates that infrequent ejaculation may be linked as a prostate cancer cause. It appears that the more times that a man ejaculates between his 20th and 50th birthday, the less likely he will be to develop prostate cancer. The research indicates that ejaculation appears to prevent the build up of carcinogens in the prostate. The research was based on questionnaires that were completed by almost 1100 men younger than 70 years old who were diagnosed with prostate cancer and almost 1300 healthy males. The research further indicated that the amount of times a man ejaculated during a week was significant whereas the number of times a man ejaculated in a given 24 hour period was unimportant. The study was published in July of 2003.

Further research also indicates that a virus often seen in the urinary tract without consequence may play a role in the development of prostate cancer. The BK virus was found in the urinary tract with abnormal cells, which indicates that it might be a prostate cancer cause. The BK virus has apparently been tracked in several cancers and it has also been studied in laboratory animals. The BK virus has caused kidney cancer in laboratory rodents. Although this isn't a telltale sign that cancer is imminent, it is an interesting finding. However, researchers who participated in the research are quick to point out that the development of cancer takes several steps. Therefore, prostate cancer evolves; it doesn't just magically appear. It takes time to develop from one abnormal cell.

While not directly related to a prostate cancer cause, it is possible that the consumption of tea may act as a preventative for prostate disease. Green tea has many benefits and is recognized for its health benefits. Both green and black tea are showing signs that they slow the growth or prostate cancer, which is another reason why prostate cancer is relatively minimal in Japan . Other food studies that are underway or being conducted include tomato rich diets, which have been proven to aid in heart health.

There is no known prevention for prostate cancer and no known single prostate cancer cause, but research is leading to promising data specifically geared toward diet. If a male increases his intake of omega 3 oils and soy protein, as well as tea consumption, he will be taking proactive steps to reducing his chances of developing prostate cancer. More research is necessary to determine the causes of prostate cancer. There is no indication that prostate cancer is a result of sexually transmitted diseases. Research continues to insure prostate health and the continued decline of prostate disease mortality.

While there is no single known prostate cancer cause at this time, men can greatly increase their chances of surviving prostate cancer should they develop it by taking proactive steps in having an annual rectal exam performed. All men who are over the age of 50 are encouraged to do this, as well as men who are in high risk groups beginning at age 45. High risk groups include African-American men as well as men who have a family history of prostate cancer. Early detection is one of the most important factors in successfully treating prostate cancer and insuring that sexual function can be preserved.