It is common knowledge that the prostate gland is found in men and therefore prostate cancer is a condition specific to men. However, there are several unknown facts about prostate cancer. Here are four things you may not have previously known about prostrate cancer.
Fatal In Young Men
Though prostate cancer is commonly associated with men who are in their sixties, there are cases where it has been seen to affect men who are below forty years. According to healthline.com, Prostrate cancer in younger men, is more aggressive. In fact, young men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are likely to die from it than men who get it later in life.
High Cure Rate If Detected Early
If prostate cancer is detected early, the cure rate is almost 100 percent since the cancer is in the local phase. According to research by Advanced Urology Associates, nearly 100% of patients diagnosed with prostate cancer live beyond 5 years. In fact, studies show that after 10 years, nearly 98% of the patients diagnosed early are still alive. However, in cases where the cancer is past the local stage and has spread to different body parts, 34% of the victims survive past 5 years with only 17.6% still alive in 10 years.
Lower Risk For Vegetarians
One of the ways of reducing prostate cancer is through diet. Studies have shown that prostate cancer occurs less in vegetarians than in men who indulge in meat and dairy products. Mayo Clinic reports that a nutrient known as lycopene, present in tomatoes, is consistently associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. Evidence also shows that Vitamin D lowers your risk of getting aggressive prostate cancer.
Genetics Play A Hand In Cancer Development
Genetics also plays a crucial role in one's risk factor. If you have a father, brother, or son who developed the condition, you are twice more likely to have the condition. Persons with two relatives who have the disease have a four times likelihood of developing prostate cancer than those with no sick relatives.
Prostate cancer is a condition that mainly affects men who are past their prime. This condition is hard to detect without a doctor's examination. Some of the four common unknown facts regarding this condition is its lethal nature with regards to young men, its high cure rate, its low risk to people who eat more fruits and vegetables, and its genetic predisposition.
By Meghan Belnap
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