fteen minutes. (NPCC,2000,p1) This rate of death is so high because American men are not aware of the risk factors of prostate cancer. Men need to be aware that as they grow older, they become more susceptible to this form of cancer. Prostate cancer used to be a major problem for men in their seventies, but now men fifty-five and older are contracting the cancer. Testing for this cancer should begin at the age of thirty to motor the prostate so that if it is detected the cancer will not be able to become too progressive. It has not been proven that prostate cancer is hereditary but two out of three men who contract the cancer have a family history of the cancer. (ACS,2000,p1) If a sibling or father has not had the disease, it is very important to find out the history of other males in the family, so individuals will be aware that they may be at a higher risk for the cancer. Diet can also affect the appearance of prostate cancer in males. If a person is eating a high animal fat diet, they almost double their chances of contracting prostate cancer. Yet a person that has a high tomato diet can decrease their risk of prostate cancer. Another risk is men with high plasma testosterone levels because high levels of testosterone aid the cancer cells in reproducing. African American males have the highest risk of developing prostate cancer. The incidence rate is almost doubled compared to white males. In year 2000 alone, 18,500 African American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. (NPCC,2,p2) The reason for the discrepancies in occurrence in African American males is not known, yet researchers do not think it is related to socioeconomic factors. In closing, prostate cancer is a leading disease in the death of males. Nearly 200,000 new cases will be diagnosed each year. Between 1973 and 1993 prostate cancer incidence rates increased 192%. (NPCC, 3,p1) Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent prostate cancer. It is just very important tha...
