Cadmium related prostate cancer: role of cadmium in increasing the
risk of prostate cancer; the probable causes of exposure to cadmium
and an analogy on whether the prostate cancer be cured?
Prostate is a male reproductive gland and when it develops cancerous
cells; it gets affected by prostate cancer. Found at the base side
of the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum, the prostate
gland is an exocrine gland. An exocrine gland is a gland in the
human body which secretes outside the body. Prostate cancer is a
disease affecting large number of male populations who are typically
in their mid ages. Prostate gland is about the size of a walnut.
Cadmium is a significant element used for tracking purposes, which
means that only a little is required by the human body. Similar to
Cadmium, Zinc is also found in high amounts in the prostate gland in
men. Prostate cancer is believed to be the third most commonly
occurring cause of cancer deaths in males in the United States. The
role of cadmium in causing, treating or preventing prostate cancer
is still under speculations and controversial.
How can cadmium increase the risk of
prostate cancer?
Although cadmium has been a well known carcinogen, researchers state
that its link with Cadmium & prostate cancer has not been
specifically established. However, it is also stated that the
significance of cadmium and zinc supplements do need further
research.
When consumed in doses consisting of more than 100 mg per day,
cadmium might increase rather than helping to decrease the chances
and risk of developing prostate cancer. However, doses within 100 mg
per day did not increase the chances of prostate cancer, but higher
doses, especially if consumed for more than 10 years, doubled the
risk factors.
Studies suggest that obtaining enough zinc supplies from diet
appears to be beneficial to the prostate, which is composed of more
zinc as compared to any other softer tissues of the body. Taking
supplements, especially those which contain large cadmium amounts,
might be responsible in negating the extra zinc benefits.
You should not exceed the maximum amount of 40 mg per day dose of
zinc in case you decide on taking the zinc supplements. Consult your
doctor before you take zinc if you want to treat any kind of
prostate conditions, including prostate cancer. Those men who die
from prostate cancer have more amounts of cadmium in their prostate
as compared to other men. However, once cadmium gets into the body,
it remains there.
Causes of exposure to cadmium
Some studies predict that men working in certain professions, with
greater levels of cadmium exposure, have a greater risk of cadmium
related prostate cancer. Laboratory rats experimented by giving
cadmium showed the development of prostate cancer.
Cadmium has also been proved to mimic certain effects of female and
male hormones. Interaction of cadmium with the hormone receptors is
similar to that of testosterone or estrogen. So it might be possible
that it stimulates prostate growth in an abnormal method. Cadmium
also might be responsible in pushing beneficial zinc from the
prostate gland.
Men who repair and build ships, those of the men working in the
canning industry, welders, men who get exposed to paints,
galvanizing, soldering and electroplating jobs are at a higher risk
of cadmium exposure. Being a metallic toxin of high occupational and
environmental concern, Cadmium exposure is often associated with
prostate cancer in some men, but obviously not all, according to
epidemiologic studies. Some studies also indicate that the tissue
concentrations of cadmium in the prostate gland have a correlation
with malignant disorder.
Can prostate cancer be cured?
Often people ask can prostate cancer be cured. In many cases, the
cure for prostate cancer is possible as it depends on the severity
of the symptoms and the stage in which the prostate cancer is
currently. There are many treatment options available which can
reduce your symptoms and even cure you of the disease if you cancer
is in the early stages:
Active surveillance- strictly vigilant of any sign or symptom
that the cancer is showing or growing. The decision of treatment
is not done right away, rather you undergo a series of tests and
diagnosis. This is the best treatment for prostate cancer which
is mostly considered in early stages.
Surgery- if you are healthy and initial stages of your prostate
cancer then you can consider surgeries like Open Prostatectomy,
Laparoscopic surgery, Perineal Prostatectomy.
Radiation therapies- high doses of radiation is given to treat
cancer. A radiation therapy called external beam radiation is
done which sends radiations from many directions once your
prostate is located. On the other hand, Brachytherapy is a
radiation process in which the radiation is given from inside or
internally.
Along with these treatments, maintaining a balanced and healthy life
and eating a nutritious diet may also help. Taking of Endosterol and
other supplements which contain natural herbs also ease out and
relieve certain symptoms.