Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and occurs in the male reproductive system (Williams, 2013). Few known and many unknown risk factors are related to prostate cancer, including family history, age, and diet (Zatzkin, 2013). Prostate cancer has many unclear and unknown causes, considering that it is a serious and deadly type of cancer, no precise established cause has been established (Chavarro, et al, 2013). Much research has been done to find cures, although only a few preventative methods have been proven to work. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay It is known that the most common risk factor for prostate cancer is family history. The risk of developing this disease may increase if you have a relative with 1st degree prostate cancer or if you have multiple relatives with prostate cancer (Williams, 2013). The risks are also influenced by the age of diagnosis. Most develop prostate cancer after age 50, however most are not diagnosed until around age 65. If prostate cancer goes undiagnosed for too long, it could eventually spread throughout the body and lead to bone cancer (Zatzkin, 2013). ). Less important risk factors that can still put someone at risk for developing this disease include diet. Diets that are high in fat, high in red or processed meat, and high in milk or dairy products are all minor risk factors (Zatzkin, 2013). Factors that are not fully known put someone at risk but are still suggested include; inherited genetic mutations, inflammation of testosterone circulating in the prostate, exposure to pesticides and occupational exposures (Canadian Cancer Society, 2013). Prostate cancer has many unclear causes; According to doctors, prostate cancer begins when the normal living cells inside the prostate gland become abnormal (Hensrud, 2013). These cells contain a mutation in the DNA and therefore become cancerous (Hensrud, 2013). Unusual mutations in cells produce rapid growth, rapid division, and create a longer lifespan than normal cells (Varmus & Weinberg, 2013). The characteristics that allow these cancer cells to do this include; larger and multiple nuclei, shape variance, zero ordered arrangement, disorganization, a greater number of dividing cells, and coarse chromatin (Tweddle, 2013). Large quantities of these abnormal cancer cells can eventually cause tumors to form, which grow on surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body (Varmus & Weinberg 2013). No known cause has been identified, although many research studies have concluded to provide possible causes (Chavarro, et al, 2013). A study demonstrates through animal testing on mice that behavioral stress promotes cell death and delays tumor contraction (Hassan, et al, 2013). The results of this study demonstrated the interactions between one's psychosocial environment and prostate cancer itself (Hassan, et al, 2013). Other general factors that contribute to the cause of prostate cancer are genetics, age, general diet and the above; stress (Zatzkin, 2013). There are no proven ways to completely cure prostate cancer, although there are alternative ways to reduce the risks (Hensrud, 2013). It is known that changing one's lifestyle has the best results among preventive interventions (Hensrud, 2013). Acceptable choices a, 2013).
tags