Prostate Cancer

Stan and Clarence chat with Dr. Robert Turesky about prostate cancer.

Dr. Turesky currently serves as a Professor in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Minnesota. Before this professorship, he served as the Director of the Masonic Cancer Center’s Analytical Biochemistry shared resource - a mass spectrometry facility devoted to cancer and chemo-prevention programs at the University of Minnesota. Dr. Turesky's research investigates the biochemical toxicology mechanisms of potential cancer-causing agents in the environment, tobacco, foods, cosmetic dyes, and traditional herbal medicines.

Listen along as Dr. Turesky shares his wealth of knowledge on prostate cancer.

Join the conversation at healthchatterpodcast.com

Brought to you in support of Hue-MAN, who is Creating Healthy Communities through Innovative Partnerships.

Research

Prostate cancer 101

What is/where is the prostate?

Small, walnut-shaped gland in males that produces fluid to nourish/transport sperm

Quick facts

It is the most common cancer among men & and the second leading cause of death among men in the United States

Another most common cancer is skin cancer (for men)

A screening tool is usually a blood test called a PSA test (prostate-specific antigen test)
Prostate cancer can either grow slowly and be confined to the prostate or spread/grow rapidly
In 2023, there were almost 290,000 new cases of prostate cancer + almost 35,000 deaths from prostate cancer
1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime

The same rate of women being diagnosed with breast cancer

Prostate cancer death rate has declined since the 90s (most likely due to early detection and treatment advances)

The pace of decline has slowed recently, most likely reflecting the rise in cancer being found at advanced stages

Symptoms

**might have no symptoms if early stages**
Trouble urinating, blood in urine, blood in semen, bone pain, losing weight, decreased force in the urine stream, erectile dysfunction, etc.

No clear causes associated with prostate cancer

Prostate cancer risk factors

Age → risk increases with age; most common 50+

Age is the most common risk factor!!

Race → black men have greatest risk of prostate cancer (and it’s more likely to be advanced/aggressive)

Black men are 2x more likely to get prostate cancer compared to other men

Family history → risk increased if a blood relative has been diagnosed in the past; risk also increased if family history of breast cancer or BRCA gene
Obesity → studies have had mixed results, but folks who are overweight are at increased risk of prostate cancer (and it’s more likely to be advanced/aggressive)
Geography → although no clear explanation, prostate cancer is most common in North America, northwestern Europe, Australia, and Caribbean Islands

Can developing prostate cancer be prevented?

Not 100%, but risk can be reduced with the following lifestyle habits

Healthy diet of fruits and
Choosing health foods over supplements
Exercise most days of the week
Maintain a healthy weight
Talk to your doctor about increased risks

Additional questions/discussion topics

Prostate cancer research

Research related to prostate cancer is happening throughout the world
Most research studies are related to genetics, prevention, early detection, diagnosis, stages, treatment (i.e. surgey, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, lifestyle changes, hormone therapy, drug therapy, immunotherapy, etc.)