Protect your prostate 

Underlying health conditions increase the risk of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the fifth leading cancer site and the third leading cause of cancer deaths among the male population in the Philippines, according to a statement released by the Department of Health (DOH) in September 2021.

The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system, located just below the bladder, where urine is stored. The prostate produces seminal fluid, a component of semen that contains sperm cells required to fertilize a female’s egg cell during sexual reproduction. 

This walnut-sized gland is also important in the production of male hormones that promote sex drive. Coined as the male G-spot, the prostate plays a role in ensuring optimum blood flow to the penis, thus creating and sustaining an erection during sexual intercourse.

The prostate gland also helps regulate urine flow. Efficient flow of urine means less risk of developing urinary tract infection or UTI. It controls the flow of urine, especially during the ejaculation phase. This prevents the urine from being mixed with sperm. 

Men should not neglect their prostate health because prostate cancer is the second most frequently encountered malignancy globally among men.

The prostate also acts as a filter of sperm. Unfortunately, environmental toxins from air and food increase the burden on the gland. Men should not neglect their prostate health because prostate cancer is the second most frequently encountered malignancy globally among men. Monitoring of symptoms and a simple blood test where the PSA or prostate-specific antigen level is determined are part and parcel of the screening process. 

An elevated PSA level does not necessarily mean that one has prostate cancer. Certain benign or non-cancerous conditions can increase the level of this protein. Such as enlargement of the prostate gland also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia and another painful condition called prostatitis, which is the inflammation of the prostate. 

To promote prostate health, men should watch out for some underlying health problems that are associated with prostate cancer. The following health issues must be addressed and managed effectively.

High blood glucose level and insulin resistance–glucose or sugar fuels cancer cells. It promotes the development and proliferation of tumor cells. A meta-analysis study was conducted by Somayeh Saboori et al and the results showed that prostate cancer was higher among men with increased fasting insulin levels. A high fasting insulin level (hyperinsulinemia) means that the body’s glucose level is elevated, thus the need for more insulin to be produced by the beta cells in the pancreas. The cells, however, are resistant to the insulin resulting in a condition known as insulin resistance. When cells are resistant to the hormone insulin, sugar remains in the blood instead of getting inside the cells to be used up as energy. 

High cholesterol or Hypercholesterolemia – A study by Juzar Jamnagerwalla et al on “Serum cholesterol and risk of high-grade prostate cancer: results from the REDUCE study,” published on December 27, 2018, and another research conducted by Teemu J. Murtola et al on “Serum cholesterol and prostate cancer risk” in the Finnish randomized study of screening for prostate cancer published on September 13, 2018, concluded that the risk of high-grade prostate cancer diagnosis among men is associated with high total cholesterol and high HDL or high-density lipoprotein. HDL may be known as the good cholesterol, but too much of anything, albeit good can also be detrimental to one’s health.

Addressing insulin resistance and high cholesterol should be done through a holistic lifestyle approach that includes exercise in addition to regular physical activities throughout the day like walking and standing, increased intake of high fiber food from vegetables, fruits, and whole grains like oats, brown rice, quinoa or Adlai, avoidance of refined sugars and trans fats usually found in processed food and drink, as well as baked products. A predominantly plant-based way of eating has been proven to keep blood glucose and cholesterol at bay. It is also very important to intentionally get adequate rest and sleep to decrease inflammation and oxidative damage to cells.

If you have high blood glucose and high cholesterol, it is recommended that you also have your prostate regularly monitored by a health specialist.