Prostate cancer is a malignancy of the prostate. It is characterized by unregulated
replication of cells creating tumors, with the possibility of some of the cells spreading to
other sites (metastasis).
This article includes a discussion of studies that have assessed whether certain vitamins,
minerals, herbs, or other dietary ingredients offered in dietary or herbal supplements may be
beneficial in connection with the reduction of risk of developing prostate cancer, or of signs
and symptoms in people who have this condition.
This information is provided solely to aid consumers in discussing supplements with their
healthcare providers. It is not advised, nor is this information intended to advocate,
promote, or encourage self use of these supplements for cancer risk reduction or treatment.
Furthermore, none of this information should be misconstrued to suggest that dietary or herbal
supplements can or should be used in place of conventional anticancer approaches or
treatments.
It should be noted that certain studies referenced below, indicating the potential
usefulness of a particular dietary ingredient or dietary or herbal supplement in connection
with the reduction of risk of prostate cancer, are preliminary evidence only. Some studies
suggest an association between high blood or dietary levels of a particular dietary ingredient
with a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer. Even if such an association were
established, this does not mean that dietary supplements containing large amounts of the
dietary ingredient will necessarily have a cancer risk reduction effect.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States. Although the
cause is not known, most researchers believe that alterations in testosterone metabolism
and/or bodily responses to testosterone are involved.
Throughout the world, autopsy reports show that evidence of microscopic prostate cancer is
extremely common in older men. However, most men who have such microscopic disease are never
diagnosed with, nor do they die from, prostate cancer. Unlike this dormant form of the
disease, the incidence of potentially life-threatening prostate cancer varies greatly in
different parts of the world. Researchers believe that some factors, possibly involving diet
or lifestyle issues, determine the risk of having potentially life-threatening prostate
cancer.
American men are at high risk of being diagnosed with such prostate cancer, and
African-American men are at particularly high risk, for reasons that are not completely clear.
A family history of prostate cancer increases the risk to a limited extent. Farmers,
mechanics, workers in tire and rubber manufacturing, sheet metal workers, and workers exposed
to cadmium have also been reported to be at increased risk.