Genetic and environmental factors in prostate cancer genesis: Identifying high-risk cohorts

Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy found in males; however, litt le is as yet known regarding what initiates the disease. The incidence is h ighest among American Blacks and lowest in the East Asian population. Subty pes of the disease include familial clustering and a hereditary form (9%) s upporting genetic events to be involved in prostate cancer pathogenesis. Ch romosomal abberations so far identified as being frequently occurring in th is disease seem to be related to later phases of disease progression. Howev er, research finding the responsible promoting genetic alteration is rapidl y progressing. To explain the varied geographical distribution of the disea se, the environment also has to be taken into account. Risk factors identif ied so far include obesity, animal fat, red meat consumption and certain to xins containing cadmium, while vegetables, cereals and vitamin D seem to be protective. It is reasonable to believe that, in the near future, we will be able to identify persons at risk of acquiring the disease and then infor m them how to adjust their lifestyle to avoid early progression of the mali gnancy.