Espedilla: Wants to know Prostate cancer (part 2)

(Foreword: This is the continuation of our letter in response to Do Do regarding his desire to know more about prostate cancer.)

DEAR Do Do,

Now, let’s go back to your question on what really causes prostate cancer. Last time, I ended up the article by stating that in reality, it is really uncertain what causes prostate cancer.

It has been shown, however, that diet contributes to the risk such that it had been revealed that men who eat a lot of fat from red meat acquire greater chance of catching the disease.

Always remember that if you cook meat at high temperatures, this will produce cancer-causing substances that may affect the prostate.

This disease is also more common in places where people are fond of eating meat and dairy products than those countries where the diet consists only of rice, soybean products, and vegetables.

So, the question now is, does meat and dairy products play a role? Well, probably. Let us take a look at some studies.

In international and interregional correlation studies, dairy product consumption has been consistently associated with prostate cancer mortality.

The largest and most recent of these, based on World Health Organization mortality figures for 1985-1989 from 59 countries and United Nations food balance data for 1979-1981, reported a strong correlation between per capita milk consumption and prostate cancer mortality.

Moreover, a more geographically restricted study which was conducted in 20 Italian regions also found a similar correlation between prostate cancer mortality and milk consumption.

Thus, several lines of evidence indicate that consumption of dairy products is associated with increased risk of prostate cancer incidence and mortality and avoidance of these products may offer a means of reducing risk of this common illness.

We also have to take a look at hormones because they play a role, too. Take note that eating fats raises the amount of testosterone in the body, and testosterone speeds the growth of prostate cancer.

Some jobs can also be hazardous and seem to be friendly for prostate cancer growth. These include welders, battery manufacturers, rubber workers, and workers frequently exposed to the metal Cadmium.

Another on the line, is exercise. If you don’t move around and sweat it out, prostate cancer may be in the offing.

Some drugs can actually offer some sweet treats. Aspirin, finasteride, cholesterol-lowering drugs, triglyceride-lowering drugs, and anti-inflammatory drugs can lower the risk of prostate cancer.

Some foods too can give you some shield. Tomato sauce and vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage can help lower your chances against this dreaded disease.

Good luck!

Dr. Fritz

(Dr. Fritz Legarde Espedilla is an aesthetic dermatologist and surgeon and a clinical sexologist. She is also trained in hypnotherapy and Medical Acupuncture. She has been in the broadcast media for more than a decade and has written a book based on her 15 year stint with her radio program, “Healthy is Sexy Secrets ni Dr. Fritz.” She is also a faculty in a College of Pharmacy. For your questions, you may send them to Dear Dr. Fritz, c/o SunStar-Davao Publishing Inc., Ebro-Pelayo Building, Jacinto St., Davao City, (former Department of Foreign Affairs office), across Ateneo de Davao University and beside Holy Child School of Davao, or you e-mail them to dokfritz@yahoo.com. If you don’t wish your letter to be published, we regret that we cannot answer them. Thank you for your understanding.