Oncologist define prostate as a male sex gland that is part of reproductive system of men; it is about the size of the walnut and located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. According to medical doctors prostate cancer in its initial stage is localized or confined to the gland; with early detection and treatment, majority of patients with localized prostate cancer can expect to live longer. Studies show that it does not cause symptoms for many years. By the time symptoms occur, the disease have spread beyond the prostate. All men are at risk. The most profound risk factor is age; the average age at diagnosis is sixty-five and the life time risk of developing prostate cancer for 50-year old is about 10%. Symptoms include:

A weak or interrupted urine flow
blood in urine or semen
painful burning urination
painful ejaculation
inability to urinate
frequent urination, especially at night
frequent pain of stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs.

Detection and prevention

According to a medical doctor two tests are commonly used to detect prostate cancer in the absence of any symptoms. One is the digital rectal exam, in which a doctor feels the prostate for hard or lumpy areas. The other test is a blood test to detect a substance made by the prostate called prostate specific antigen (PSA). Scientists revealed that diet high in animal fat may increase the risk but genetic factors play a role too. They are discovering that cancer can be prevented. Cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, environmental pollution, diet, and other lifestyle factors are major cause of cancer.

Estimates revealed that over sixty percent of all cancer in women and over forty percent in men are diet-related. Nutritionally related cancers include cancer of the breast, colon, stomach, pancreas, liver and prostate cancer.

Lycopene in tomato sauce. Lycopene can only be obtained from the diet with tomatoes and tomato products such as tomato sauce.

Studies show that lycopene concentration increases when tomato sauce is heated; and cooking with a small amount of oil improves absorption of the lycopene by the body from the diet. The substance, called lycopene accumulates in human tissues when absorbing by the body and acts as an antioxidant. Analysis of data from 773 prostate cancer cases revealed that an increased lycopene intake was associated with reduce risk of prostate cancer.

Resources:

CHIC Magazine & Manila Bulletin