Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in Germany. It accounts for about a quarter of all cancer cases, and nearly 60,000 men are newly diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. The prognosis for prostate cancer has improved greatly over the past 20 years and depends primarily on the stage of the cancer. The diagnosis of cancer of the prostate gland – also known as prostate carcinoma or malignant prostatic hyperplasia – is not at all rare, and is more frequent today than it used to be. This is mainly because the risk of this type of cancer increases sharply with age, as does our life expectancy.
Prostate cancer survival rates up thanks to established screening programs
In addition, cancer screening exams introduced in the 1970s mean that prostate cancer is now more likely to be detected. As a result, while cancer of the prostate is more common than it used to be, it also has a far better survival rate. For example, mortality has fallen by 20 percent since 1990. Currently, five-year survival rates – which can often be equated with a cure – are around 87 percent. Most men are over 70 years old when first diagnosed; prostate cancer in those under 50 is rare.
Prostate cancer: causes and triggers
It is still not clear exactly what causes prostate cancer. However, risk factors are known that can contribute to cancer growth. In addition to age, these include hereditary factors, which presumably play a role especially in younger affected individuals. If prostate cancer occurs in close relatives, the risk of developing it oneself increases sharply. The male sex hormone testosterone produced in the testicles also plays a role in the causes of prostate cancer: testosterone stimulates the cancer cells; conversely, without testosterone, prostate cancer does not develop. However, testosterone is indispensable for prostate function, so the balance seems to be important.
Lifestyle is presumably also an influencing factor in prostate cancer: It is discussed that a diet low in fiber, rich in animal fats and calories, lack of exercise and obesity contribute to the development of prostate cancer. In addition, environmental factors such as radiation exposure or heavy metals may condition prostate cancer.
Preventing prostate cancer
As with many diseases, prostate cancer has factors that cannot be influenced (for example, age or genes) and others that can be used to lower the risk. Factors that can prevent prostate cancer include:
- Reduce excess weight
- Engage in regular physical activity
- Drink alcohol rarely and little, do not smoke
- Healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables: it is known that a diet rich in antioxidants can in principle prevent cancer. It is often recommended as a prostate diet to regularly add tomatoes (also as juice or pulp) and soy to the menu. Tomatoes contain lycopene (the red pigment) and – like soybeans – phytoestrogens, which are believed to prevent prostate cancer.
- Balance stress and relaxation periods: Even if no direct link to prostate cancer is proven, it is known that a balanced lifestyle in principle serves the health.
Detect prostate cancer early
The earlier prostate cancer is detected, the better the chances of cure. Therefore, men from the age of 45 should take advantage of the early cancer detection examinations covered by health insurance and regularly have the doctor palpate the prostate.
