Reducing prostate cancer risk

Dr. Douglas Street, Contributor

One of the unenviable distinctions that Jamaica 'land we love' has is that we have the highest rates of prostate cancer worldwide. Also, prostate cancer is the most common cause of male cancer deaths in Jamaica. So we need to be informed about how to reduce the risk of cancer. Let's see what the current recommendations are.

The prostate is part of the male reproductive system and lies at the base of the bladder and surrounds its outlet, which accounts for some of the problems that it causes. Some of the symptoms of prostate cancer are difficulty passing urine, blood in the urine, increased frequency of daytime and night-time urination, and lower back pain if it has spread there. These symptoms are more often caused by other illnesses, though.

Prostate cancer is normally screened for in men older than 40 in our population. This is normally done by having a blood test called the PSA (prostate specific antigen). A digital rectal examination is optional. If the PSA is greater than 4, then a biopsy is normally done. This is done by taking pieces of the prostate and having a specialist examine them under a microscope for evidence of cancer.

The problem with this approach is that, often, cases of prostate cancer are discovered that are not serious and would not have influenced the man's health, and the treatment ends up being worse than the disease.

In fact, recently, experts have decided that the PSA should not be done in men over the age of 70. Also, men of this age typically only have another five years to live as well, so the thought is to let sleeping dogs lie.

Prostate cancer is more common in older men, blacks, and men with a family history of prostate cancer. The factors, of course, cannot be changed. It has been found, though, that lycopene (found in tomatoes), selenium (found in garlic and whole grains), vitamin E (found in nuts), cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli), omega-3 fish oil (found in salmon, sardines, mackerel, and anchovies) and vitamin D (from sunshine) may reduce risk.

These nutrients must be obtained naturally as supplements have not been shown to have the same effect. In fact, some supplements are thought to increase risk such as zinc, vitamin A and E, and folate. High alcohol use and meat eating increase the risk of prostate cancer, while a vegetarian diet reduces risk.