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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Health-Service-Online Fritz Frei Admin Health-Service-Online http://www.cancer-info.info

Fritz Frei works since more than 25 years in the health-and hosptital business as a consultant and he make it easy to check out the important details about the diagnoses, test's and treatments of the Prostate Cancer. To receive more information's about all prostate cancer -questions - Links and last research NEW's - visit the http://www.cancer-info.info