Prostate Cancer

The following information may be attributed to the Ohio Department of Health.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among males in the U.S. and Ohio. Each year, approximately 1,400 Ohio men die of prostate cancer.

Early detection may prevent many of these deaths.

When detected early, the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is nearly 100 percent.

Those men most at-risk for prostate cancer include:

• African Americans.
   
• Those with a family history of the disease, especially if their brothers or fathers were diagnosed with prostate cancer.
   
• Males whose mothers or sisters had breast or ovarian cancer.

No studies have found significant links between men who develop prostate cancer and the amount of sexual activity they have, previous infections, enlargement of the prostate gland, having a vasectomy, or occupation.

There does appear to be a link between prostate cancer, diet and exercise. Saturated fats and certain vegetable oils increase testosterone levels - and the risk of prostate cancer - when men are sedentary, but not when they exercise.

While fresh fruits and dark-colored vegetables are known cancer fighters, cooked tomatoes may be particularly important in preventing prostate cancer because they have a beneficial plant chemical called lycopene. Whole grain cereals, seeds and nuts, soy, and vitamins A, D, and E are also believed to offer some protection.

Studies also indicate that even moderate exercise may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Last Updated: 09/08/2000