We inherit DNA from our parents. DNA makes up our genes. Our genes control how cells behave. Less than 10% of prostate cancers are linked to these cell changes. Certain hormones may be the reason for prostate cancer.
For example, high levels of male hormones or "androgens" may be part of the reason why some men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than others. It is possible, according to some researchers, that men with high levels of a hormone called IGF-1 can be more likely to get prostate cancer than others.
Coffee
For decades, coffee has been the subject of research focused specifically on whether coffee is more healthful than harmful.
Scientific research on coffee, caffeine and health takes place daily worldwide at both private and public well recognized institutions and laboratories. It is a fact that coffee has two main ways of improving the health of your body: antioxidants and caffeine. Both of these substances have health and anti aging benefits. Antioxidants basically help the human body repair damage to cells caused by free radicals. These free radicals are produced as a by-product of cells through normal daily activities. The antioxidant and radical inter-action is something that goes on constantly in our bodies. The rich content of oxidants in coffee makes this beverage a positive contributor to good health. This is good news for any coffee lover. A study conducted by the Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health documented the coffee intake, regular and decaffeinated, of more than 50,000 men every four years for a 10-year period from 1986 to 2006. Continuing research on this same topic is ongoing and to date supports the findings from this very extensive and long-term study.
The research also included evaluation of the cross-sectional association between coffee consumption and levels of circulating hormones in blood samples collected from men participating in the study. The researchers also analyzed different levels of cancer stages: advanced, localized, high grade, low grade, etc. Caffeine, specifically, was not found to be the key factor in any of these associations. Coffee has many biologically active compounds like antioxidants and minerals which help repair damage to cells caused by radicals and other body damaging causes. The role of an antioxidant is to help reduce oxidation reactions. Antioxidants reduce damage to body tissues. They do the opposite of oxidants. In layman's terms, antioxidants can reduce the risk of cancer and other health problems. You can really call coffee an "antioxidant power food." In other words, you can drink your coffee and promote good health at the same time. A moderate intake of coffee such as two to four cups per day does not hurt and actually helps. There is no reason to stop drinking coffee out of concern about prostate cancer risk.
Diet plays a very important role in the prevention of cancer, including prostate cancer.
It is believed, for example, that the Mediterranean diet may reduce the chances of developing prostate cancer. Selenium, green tea and coffee offer additional possibilities for disease prevention. A diet high in vegetable consumption can be beneficial. A lifestyle with low meat, high vegetable and fruit intake, regular exercise, yoga stretching, meditation and support group participation may help relieve overall tension. A lifestyle with reduced stress can influence the ways genes behave and promote cancers by switching on tumor killers and turning down tumor promoters. Lack of vitamin D and a diet high in red meat may raise a man's chances of developing prostate cancer. A common sense approach and the benefits of a healthy, balanced diet accompanied by moderate coffee drinking are ways that may prevent cancer.
Obviously, it is imperative for individuals and patients to always check with their own physician regarding any medical conditions, treatments, diagnostics, or special dietary plans that may be necessary.
In the meantime, enjoy a cup of Spanish Espresso!
Coffee Drinking and Prostate Cancer Prevention