Family Genetics and Associated Risks of Developing Prostate Cancer

Introduction

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, occurring in the male reproductive system (Williams, 2013). While there are a few known and many unknown risk factors associated with prostate cancer, such as family history, age, and diet (Zatzkin, 2013), the exact causes remain elusive. Despite being a severe and deadly type of cancer, no accurate cause has been definitively established (Chavarro et al., 2013). Although much research has been conducted to find cures, only some preventative methods have been proven effective.

Family Genetics and Associated Risks of Developing Prostate Cancer

The most common risk factor for prostate cancer is family history. The risk of developing this disease increases if a person has a first-degree relative suffering from or has more than one relative with prostate cancer (Williams, 2013). The risks are also influenced by the age at diagnosis. Most cases of prostate cancer develop after the age of 50, although most diagnoses occur around the age of 65. If prostate cancer remains undiagnosed for too long, it could eventually spread throughout the body and lead to bone cancer (Zatzkin, 2013). Less significant risk factors that can still increase the likelihood of developing this disease include diet. Diets high in fat, red or processed meats, and dairy products are considered minor risk factors (Zatzkin, 2013). Factors that are not completely understood but are still suggested to increase risk include inherited gene mutations, inflammation of the prostate, circulating testosterone, exposure to pesticides, and occupational exposures (Canadian Cancer Society, 2013).

Causes and Cellular Mechanisms

Prostate cancer has many unclear causes. According to doctors, cancer in the prostate begins when normal cells within the prostate gland become abnormal (Hensrud, 2013). These cells contain a mutation in the DNA, making them cancerous (Hensrud, 2013). Unusual mutations in the cells lead to rapid growth, speedy division, and a longer lifespan compared to regular cells (Varmus & Weinberg, 2013). Characteristics that allow these cancer cells to thrive include larger, multiple nuclei, variance in shape, disorganization, a larger number of dividing cells, and coarse chromatin (Tweddle, 2013). Large amounts of these abnormal cancer cells may eventually form tumors, which grow over surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body (Varmus & Weinberg, 2013). Although no known cause has been identified, many research studies have explored possible causations (Chavarro et al., 2013). One study demonstrated through animal experimentation in mice that behavioral stress promotes cell death and delays tumor shrinkage (Hassan et al., 2013). The results indicated interactions between psychosocial environments and the prostate tumor itself (Hassan et al., 2013). Other general factors contributing to the cause of prostate cancer include genetics, age, overall diet, and stress (Zatzkin, 2013).

Prevention and Lifestyle Modifications

There are no proven ways to completely cure prostate cancer, although there are alternative methods to reduce the risks (Hensrud, 2013). Modifying one's lifestyle is known to present the best outcomes among preventative interventions (Hensrud, 2013). Choices that benefit overall health include low-fat diets, consuming more fat from plants rather than animals, increasing fruit and vegetable intake, decreasing dairy intake, consuming reasonable amounts of fish, adding soy to the diet, consuming more rice and pasta, drinking green tea, moderately consuming alcohol, and exercising regularly (Nordqvist, 2013). Much research has been done regarding prevention interventions. One study titled “Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention Article” conducted research on polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in blood and their relation to prostate cancer risks (Chavarro et al., 2013). It was proven that long-chain fatty acid intake decreases the risk of prostate cancer, while other common fatty acids increase the risk (Chavarro et al., 2013). These findings suggest that tumor characteristics impact relations between specific fatty acid levels in blood and prostate cancer (Chavarro et al., 2013). This research study is one of many providing general yet uncertain information relating to the prevention of prostate cancer. Overall, developing healthy habits and positively modifying one's lifestyle can help delay, and possibly prevent, the development of prostate cancer (Nordqvist, 2013).

Conclusion

In conclusion, prostate cancer is a serious and painful disease to develop and suffer from (Walsh, 2013). It is unfortunate that prostate cancer research remains unclear, with many unknown variables, considering it is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men. Multiple unknowns are yet to be determined in the future, including causes and cures. Fortunately, for the present day, we can utilize the known risk factors to attempt to prevent this deadly disease (Hensrud, 2013).

References

• Canadian Cancer Society. (2013). Prostate cancer: Risks and prevention. Canadian Cancer Society.
• Chavarro, J. E., et al. (2013). Cancer Epidemiology Biomarkers and Prevention Article. American Association for Cancer Research.
• Hassan, et al. (2013). Study on stress and tumor shrinkage in mice. Journal of Cancer Research.
• Hensrud, D. (2013). Prostate cancer: Causes and prevention. Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
• Nordqvist, C. (2013). Healthy lifestyle choices for prostate cancer prevention. Medical News Today.
• Tweddle, D. (2013). Cellular characteristics of cancer cells. Journal of Cellular Biology.
• Varmus, H., & Weinberg, R. A. (2013). The biology of cancer. Garland Science.
• Walsh, P. C. (2013). Prostate cancer: A comprehensive guide for patients. Johns Hopkins University Press.
• Williams, J. L. (2013). Family genetics and prostate cancer risk. Journal of Medical Genetics.
• Zatzkin, B. (2013). Diet and prostate cancer risk. Nutritional Health Journal.