IT'S TURNING out, based on scientific studies, that prostate cancer may be listed among the diet-related cancers just like colorectal cancer.
Epidemiologists have been tracing the link between men who eat high-fat meals and the incidence of prostate cancer. The incidence tends to be higher in countries that consume more fatty meals, especially when the fat comes from animal sources.
Australian researchers at the University of Tasmania have been studying the relationship between changes in serum testosterone levels (it is believed that high levels of testosterone could be associated with an increased risk for prostate cancer) and eating fat.
After giving men in the study different types of meals some low-fat and other high-fat it appeared that the serum testosterone levels (taken immediately after eating) in men who ate the low-fat meals were lower than the levels in the men who ate the high-fat meals.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Jamaican men. The Jamaica Cancer Society says that more than 75 per cent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year are older than 65 years. Genetic factors and family history also appear to be significant especially when the cancer occurs in men younger than 65 years. The risk rises with the number of close relatives who have the
disease.
The Jamaica Cancer Society recommends that men begin annual screening (tests) for prostate cancer from age 50. Screening consists of a blood test the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal examination. Health experts say that Jamaican men are generally reluctant to attend screening clinics but early detection could mean
achieving a cure.
