Eat Tomatoes and Prevent Prostate Cancer

Submitted by Sharon Hopkins on July 6, 2007

Prostate cancer is also referred to as Adenocarcinoma. It is a cancerous tumor, which develops on the prostate gland, a gland in the male reproductive system. In course of time, it spreads to the inner glands and other parts like the lungs, liver and bone. It also affects the seminal vesicles. This is a result of mutation and proliferation of prostate cells in an unlimited manner, thereby spreading to the lymph and bones.

Typical symptoms include erectile dysfunction and urinary infection resulting in pain while passing urine.

Many a times, people affected by prostate cancer, are devoid of symptoms, and die due to other reasons. Hereditary reasons and dietary regimen are significant causes for prostate cancer.

It is usually identifies by blood tests, like prostate specific antigen test (PSA) and physical examination. To assess the degree of infection spreading, bone scan and x-ray are useful.

Tomatoes are from the Solanaceae family and have a pulpy interior with water.

They are available in a variety of shades, such as yellow, red, green, brown, purple or green and are not sweet to taste. They are acidic in nature and slightly bitter. Lycopene in tomatoes are potent antioxidants and carotenoids seen.

Lycopene saves the cells from free radical damage. It also exhibits a cardio protective effect. Growing research reveals the role of lycopene in being anti carcinogenic against cancer of the breast, prostate, pancreas and lungs.

Studies on animals fed on lycopene and a carcinogen revealed the efficacy of tomatoes against prostate cancer. In addition to lycopene, tomatoes also envelop an array of phytonutrients that help in reducing risk of cancer. Inclusion of tomatoes and related products is preferred, rather than lycopene supplementation for cancer risk. Tomatoes are a rich source of vitamin A and C, with a high concentration of beta carotene. These are antioxidants that act as free radical scavengers and nullify the effect of these free radicals from causing any damage to the cell, which in turn progresses to severe complications, such as, colon cancer, diabetes, atherosclerosis and asthma. Tomatoes are effective in blood sugar and cholesterol reduction which is attributed to the presence of fiber. Colon cancer is also prevented by a tomato-rich diet.
Prostate cancer treatment depends on the age, health status, the stage of diagnosis and the stage of cancer. Prostate cancer treatment involves radiation, hormones, surgery, proton, chemotherapy and so on. A PSA blood test is recommended twice a year for 5 years. A technique referred as digital rectal examination is advised once a year.