Prostate cancer strikes the walnut-shaped gland in the male reproductive tract that produces a fluid that is part of semen. The condition is more common in men over the age of 60 and is characterized by slow urinary stream, leakage of urine, blood in urine and bone pain. Other factors such as family history, occupational hazards and alcoholism might increase the risk of prostate cancer. Treatment involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy and/or surgery. The association between lycopene and prostate cancer is inconclusive.
About Lycopene
Lycopene is the carotenoid pigment found in foods such as tomatoes, apricots, guava, papaya and grapefruit. It is also found in human serum, skin, liver, lungs, prostate and colon. The pigment possesses significant antioxidant and antiproliferative properties that help prevent and treat a variety of conditions such as macular degeneration in the eyes, heart disease and certain types of cancers. Apart from diet, natural lycopene supplements are also available at most natural food stores. Dosage depends on the form and condition of the patient.
Role of Lycopene in Prostate Cancer
The antioxidant lycopene has the ability to stabilize free peroxyl oxygen radicals formed as a result of various metabolic processes in the body, helping to prevent them from interacting with the DNA and proteins of healthy prostate cells so that they don't become cancerous cells, according to a study published in a 2002 issue of the journal "Prostate Cancer." The authors of the study further claim that lycopene also has the ability to scavenge other reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide and nitrogen oxide, which might also interact with the components of healthy cells. Thus, regular consumption of lycopene-rich foods might lower the risk of prostate cancer by 30 to 40 percent, says Dr. Lester Packer, author of the book "Carotenoids and Retinoids." However, Packer believes that along with its antioxidant properties, lycopene helps prevent prostate cancer by inhibiting the proliferation of the cancer cells via regulation of cellular growth factors, stopping cell cycle progression.
Side Effects
No side effects are associated with lycopene from dietary sources. The supplements might, however, lead to nausea, vomiting, stomach pain and diarrhea in some cases. They also might lead to allergic reactions in rare cases. Prolonged use of lycopene supplements might lead to orange skin, says the American Cancer Society.
Precautions
Always talk to a doctor before using lycopene supplements to manage prostate cancer to determine if they're right for you. Also, the role of lycopene in prostate cancer has not been established conclusively. In fact, according to a study in the May 2007 issue of the journal "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention," no connection was found between lycopene levels and prostate cancer. Also, remember that the production and distribution of lycopene supplements in the United States is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so try to ensure the quality and purity of any products you try.
References
- "Prostate Cancer"; "Lycopene and Prostate Cancer"; N.J. Barber et al; 2002
- "Carotenoids and Retinoids: Molecular Aspects and Health Issues"; Dr. Lester Packer; 2005
- "Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention"; "Serum Lycopene, Other Carotenoids and Prostate Cancer Risk: a Nested Case-Control Study in the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial"; Ulrike Peters et al; May 2007
- American Cancer Society: Lycopene
