Prevent Prostate Cancer and The Costs Associated

Change In Diet Prevents Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a deadly disease and a popular form of death for men around the world. Caused by changes to the prostates cell DNA and affecting certain demographics more than others. Changes in diet are proven to work in prevention which will help keep healthcare costs down because treatments are very expensive. 

Inflammation Linked to Probable Cause 

Studies found inflammation inside the prostate could be linked to prostate cancer due to the prostate cell's DNA alteration allowing cancerous cells to grow and get out of control although the exact cause is unknown to researchers (American Cancer Society). This change in your prostate cell's DNA structure has strong links to obesity (very aggressive and high probability of returning), people over 50, African Americans, and family history of prostate cancer (Mayo Clinic). Very important to keep your cell's DNA structure intact, especially if you're at a higher risk for obtaining cancer. 

Certain Demographics at Higher Risk 

Black people, aging people, and folks with family history of prostate cancer can reduce the risk by eating healthier since poor nutrition can cause DNA damage leading to the development of prostate cancer cells - which may explain why men in Asia are at a lower risk then men in western countries since each culture's diet is different (John Hopkins Medicine). 

Certain Foods Reduce Risk

Foods high in lycopene, like tomatoes, have been shown in numerous studies to slow prostate cancer growth and progression - other food and drinks include citrus, soybeans, teas, and coffee linked to reducing the risk of the disease, each with studies shown (Kim). 

Costs Associated

Prostate cancer costs vary depending on if you are insured or not and/or what demographic you live in, with studies revealing the average cost per month about $2,800 (Alexandra Benisek).  

A 30-day supply of class gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists' drug Orgovyx (relugolix) is $2,596 (drugs.com). The drug lowers testosterone, which is key to treating advanced prostate cancer, to levels below 50 ng/dl and keeps it low by days 29 - 48 in 97% of men (Orgovyx). Over $5000 is spent on the drug alone to achieve the results mentioned, and who knows how long it will take until the cancer is in remission. 

Another popular drug Leuprolide is a manmade hormone used to treat prostate cancer with an average retail price of $2793.83 (GOODRx). Depending on the metastaticity, the drug is used to help cure or extend life by using injections various months at a time between 6 months and 2 years (Chemoexperts). 

Both cancer drugs are very expensive but the cheapest method for treating prostate cancer is prevention. Diet and exercise will help prevent prostate cancer from forming. Diets rich in lycopene and citrus, along with drinking tea and coffee, will help prevent prostate cancer. 

Works Cited 

American Cancer Society. “What Causes Prostate Cancer?” Cancer.org, American Cancer Society, 2016, www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/what-causes.html.

Mayo Clinic. “Prostate Cancer - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Clinic, 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087.

John Hopkins Medicine. “Prostate Cancer: Prevention.” Www.hopkinsmedicine.org, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-prevention.

Kim, Steven. “9 Tips to Prevent Prostate Cancer.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 21 Sept. 2018, www.healthline.com/health/9-tips-to-prevent-prostate-cancer.

Alexandra Benisek. “The Cost of Prostate Cancer.” WebMD, 4 Aug. 2022, www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/cost-of-prostate-cancer.

Drugs.com. “Orgovyx Prices, Coupons, Copay & Patient Assistance.” Drugs.com, www.drugs.com/price-guide/orgovyx. Accessed 24 Dec. 2022.

Orgovyx. “ORGOVYX (Relugolix).” Www.orgovyx.com, www.orgovyx.com/about-orgovyx. Accessed 24 Dec. 2022.

GOODRx. “Leuprolide Prices, Coupons & Savings Tips - GoodRx.” GoodRx, www.goodrx.com/leuprolide.

Chemoexperts. “Leuprolide (Lupron) for Prostate Cancer | ChemoExperts.” Www.chemoexperts.com, www.chemoexperts.com/leuprolide-ace%c2%adtate-lupron-depot-eli%c2%adgard-prostate.html. Accessed 24 Dec. 2022.