What causes prostate cancer? A brief summary of the epidemiology

In recent decades, prostate cancer has emerged as one of the most common di seases among older men, particularly in Western society. Several years ago, only age, race, and family history were known risk factors for this diseas e. However, today, much progress has been made towards discovering nutritio nal and hormonal risk factors for prostate cancer. Biomarkers, including te stosterone and insulin-like growth factor, and nutritional factors, especia lly meat, fat, and daily intake, have been linked to greater risk of diseas e. Higher consumption of selenium and vitamin E, fructose/fruits, and tomat oes all have been associated with reduced occurrence of prostate cancer, bu t as yet their efficacy for prevention remains unproven. The challenge of u nderstanding the enigmas of this disease will continue into future decades, as we convert current Knowledge into preventive and therapeutic recommenda tions.