86 African Pilot April 2015
Medical
Age is the most signifi cant risk factor for prostate cancer, with increasing
risk as one gets older. Prostate cancer is more common in black Caribbean
and African men than in white or Asian men. It is rarely diagnosed under the
age of 50. A family history of cancer is another important risk factor. Men
are two to three times more likely to develop prostate cancer if their father
or brother has prostate cancer (compared to the average man with no family
history). Men also have a higher risk of prostate cancer if their mother has
had breast cancer. An individual who has had other cancers previously, also
has a slightly increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
Obesity is linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer. Scientists agree that diet
plays a role but it is not clear exactly how. Several factors have been studied
but a causal link between diet and cancer is diffi cult to prove. Eating a healthy
diet generally decreases the risk of developing various types of cancer. Diets
high in red meat and fatty food but low in fruit and vegetables appear to be
associated with a higher risk of developing cancer. Some studies show that
a diet high in calcium may pose a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
Other studies have found that foods containing lycopene (mainly in tomatoes)
and selenium (in vegetables, fi sh, shellfi sh, grains, eggs, Brewer’s yeast and
wheat germ) probably reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Smoking, sexually
transmitted diseases, prostatitis (infection of the prostate) and vasectomy have
not been proven to play a role in causing prostate cancer.SYMPTOMSWith advancing age, the prostate gland enlarges (known as benign prostatic
hyperplasia or BPH). This can cause urinary symptoms as the gland can
exert pressure on the urethra (urine tube) and restrict the fl ow of urine.
Prostate cancer generally doesn’t cause symptoms in the early stage as it
most often develop in the outer area of the gland, not putting pressure on the