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Prostate Cancer Introduction

Prostate cancer is present in almost all developed Western societies, consisting the most common type of malignancy in men.

In Greece about 4,000 men are annually affected from prostate cancer and about 1500 die from subsequent disease consequences.prostate cancer

It is the second leading cause of cancer death in men after lung cancer, although early diagnosis enhances thorough treatment rates.

It usually occurs in the sixth or seventh decade of life and the disease’s incidence has almost doubled during the last 20 years.

The most common type of prostate cancer is adenocarcinoma which comprises 90% of malignant cases, mainly located in prostate gland peripheral zone. It is important to mention family predisposition of this cancer type – i.e. men with a first degree relative that has suffered from prostate cancer are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer. In cases there are two first degree relatives, incidence rate is 9 times larger.

Predisposing Factors

  • age
  • family history
  • nutrition – i.e. high fat diet doubles the incidence risk

Nutrition – Beneficial factors

  • soya
  • green tea
  • fruits and vegetables rich in lycopene
  • vitamin E
  • mediterranean diet