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Researcher identifies possible prostate cancer protection

Category: Prostate

Millions of men receive positive PSA tests for prostate cancer every year. While the condition is treatable when it is diagnosed early, experts say that it is still best to avoid it entirely. Researchers are getting closer to being able to help men do that.

A professor of pharmaceuticals at Rutgers University recently reported in the online journal PLoS One that chemicals found in certain plants may protect the prostate from tumors. Furthermore, he identified the mechanism that results in this shielding effect.

After studying a group of mice, some of whom had plant extracts added to their food, professor Ah-Ng Kong said that he noticed changes in certain genes of the subjects whose food was treated.

The affected genes are known to play a role in mitigating cancer risk. Kong said that when these genes are activated, the risk of prostate cancer is low. However, when they are turned off, tumors may begin to grow. The plant extracts appeared to activate the genes.

The findings may benefit any man who worries about his prostate cancer risk, even those who have yet to receive a positive PSA test result. The study shows that adding more plant food to a diet may help guard against the disease.