Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and second most common cause of death from cancer in men.
It also may be the most confusing disease to manage because there are so many ways to treat it.
Given the significant controversy, men have to educate themselves about what are likely causes of the disease.
Here are eight causes of prostate cancer.
- High level of prolactin
High prolactin level in the blood will lead to an increase in the uptake of testosterone in the prostate gland, which will result in the production of another male hormone called Di-Hydro-testosterone.
- High level of DHT
High level of DHT in the prostate gland will enlarge the prostate. A stressful lifestyle also does not help the prostate. This will usually cause an increase in the level of circulating prolactin hormone. The net result is elevated DHT and subsequent prostate enlargement.
- Genetic factors
Prostate cancer is highly related to genetic factors. If one of the families has had prostate cancer, it is highly likely that other male members of the family will get it.
- Exposure of pesticide to food
Frequent exposure to pesticides used on food crops and those used in our homes can expose men to cancer. We also eat crops which contain pesticide that contain the chemical polychlorinated hydrocarbon, which accumulates in organs like the adrenals, the liver and the prostate and then, become diseased.
- Sexually transmitted disease
Apart from narrowing the urethral passage and reducing sperm count, frequent sexually transmitted diseases from sexually active men may lead to prostate enlargement or cancer.
- Fats
Eating a diet full of saturated fats and red meat is bad for the prostate.
- Tobacco
Tobacco contains cadmium, which is a heavy metal that increases the activities of 5-alpha reductase enzyme. The enzyme converts testosterone to the active form called DHT, which is responsible for the abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland.
- Alcohol
Alcohol increases the level of the prolactin hormone. This will increase the level of testosterone intake by the prostate gland, which eventually leads to its enlargement.
