Cancer is a scary word to anyone. However, there are different forms and rates of prevalence of each type of cancer. While prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in existence today and the second leading cause of cancer death in the United States, it is also one of the easier cancers to treat.
There are many risk factors, especially when it comes to age. Prostate cancer very rarely occurs in men under 40, with the rate of prevalence rising rapidly by age 50. This means screening regularly for prostate cancer after passing the age of 50 is recommended. 65% of all prostate cancer cases are for men over the age of 65, with an average age of diagnosis of 69 years old.
Race and ethnicity also plays a role. Prostate cancer is twice as likely to occur in African-Americans than Caucasians, with lower rates for Asian-American and Latino men when compared to Caucasians. Thus, members of the African-American race should monitor themselves and their loved ones for prostate cancer, and get regular screenings from their physicians.
Family history is also a risk factor, as prostate cancer appears to run in families, so that individuals with a father or brother who have prostate cancer also should be screened regularly, as they are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer. Additionally, if the diagnosis was from family members under the age of 55, then the risk is further increased.
Diet is a factor as well, as men who eat large quantities of red meat or high-fat dairy products do have a slightly higher chance of developing prostate cancer. Eating vegetables like broccoli can help mitigate the risks of developing cancer. Though smoking has not been found to be a risk, if a smoker does develop prostate cancer, the form of cancer will be much more aggressive.
But all anyone has to do is stop smoking, and manage his or her diet along with regular physical activity in order to help with reducing the risk of developing prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is manageable if one takes the time to eliminate the risk factors in their lives that raise the chance of prostate cancer. The key is to take the bull by the horns, and empower yourself through information and preventative habits. Though not guaranteed to prevent prostate cancer, mitigating the risks can only help.
Help the 29,000 yearly victims of prostate cancer by donating your car, RV, or motorcycle.
