Risk factors for enlarged prostate
Proven First: Ageing
Second: Testosterone
Probable Genetic
Possible
- Western diet - Hypertension - Diabetes - Obesity -
Industrialized environment - Increased androgen receptors -
Oestrogen/testosterone imbalance
Any normal man will develop BPH if he lives long enough. Time
and male hormones (dihydrotestosterone and testosterone) are the
only proven risk factors for developing BPH. Prostate cells are
much more sensitive to dihydrotestosterone than testosterone
itself. An enzyme specific to the prostate, 5-alpha reductase,
converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Men who are
castrated in their youth, or who lack 5-alpha reductase, do not
develop BPH. Recent studies indicate a probable genetic link for
BPH. A male with a first degree relative who has had surgery for
BPH has a four times' increased lifetime risk of needing
prostate surgery himself. This genetic link is especially strong
for men under 60 years of age with large prostates. Some studies
indicate that male hormone receptors (androgen receptors) may be
increased in BPH cells. The role of environmental factors such
as diet, obesity and an industrialized environment is not
entirely clear.
Interesting facts about prostate cancer
Here are some interesting facts concerning prostate cancer and
its treatment.
- One in 10 000 men under the age of 40 develop prostate cancer,
whereas one in eight men between the ages of 60 and 80 suffer
from the disease. - For some reason not yet fully understood,
the rate of prostate cancer among black men is higher than that
of other race groups. A possibility exists that higher levels of
testosterone may be responsible. - Many men die with prostate
cancer, but not from it. -Although it has not been proven
conclusively, it is thought that a diet high in fats could lead
to increased testosterone production. -Lack of exercise can lead
to general ill-health and makes someone more susceptible to all
sorts of diseases, prostate problems included. -A man with three
first degree relatives with prostate cancer has a ten times
increased risk of developing prostate cancer himself. -The
prostate needs time and male hormones to develop cancer.
Testosterone does not cause prostate cancer, but is essential
for prostate cancer to develop. - Men whose mothers or sisters
have developed breast cancer are also at increased risk for
prostate cancer. - Because prostate cancer generally takes so
long to develop, many doctors opt for the so-called 'watchful
waiting' as a treatment option. - Besides castration at a young
age, which is obviously not a viable option, there is no certain
way of preventing prostate.
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