Efecto de la exposición a factores de riesgo medioambientales en el cáncer de próstata

Abstract

lntroduction: Epidemiological studies show that the incidence of prostate cancer has increased over the years. Prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide. Rates of incidence and mortality of prostate cancer vary widely across the world, being more common in Oceania and North American men. lt is believed that systematically determination of Prostate­ specific antigen (PSA), may have a positive effect on mortality, but there are not conclusive studies yet of it. Moreover, the descriptive epidemiology of prostate cancer suggests that it is a disease in which genetic and environrpental factors are important in its origin and evolution, being the inflammation the link between the cancer causing agents and the agents that prevent it. Scientific evidence shows how certain phytochemicals like antioxidants, isoflavones, flavonoids, oligoelements and others may play a role in the protection against sorne hormone-dependent cancers such as prostate cancer. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of environmental risk factors related to prostate cancer. Design: Population-based case-control study. Participants: The 175 participants in the cases study were recruited in the health area of Santander, which has a reference center, "Marqués of Valdecilla Hospital" and was defined the area of influence far the selection of the 177 controls of the Primary Care centers, linked it to the hospital.