What Are The Health Benefits Of Drinking Red Wine For Prostate Cancer?

The benefits of drinking red wine for heart health are well known but it is less known that red wine may also help reduce your chances of developing prostate cancer. The American Cancer Society reports that prostate cancer claims the life of one in every 36 men, making it a major health concern for men across the U.S. Talk with your doctor if you're interested in incorporating red wine into your daily routine; alcohol carries health risks and may interact with medications you are taking.

Risk Factors

One in six men develop prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Malignancies affecting the prostate gland are often slow-growing; in fact, some men die from other causes and the cancer is only discovered after death. Excessive levels of androgen hormones may play a role in cancer development, although more research is needed. Being over age 50 puts you at higher risk for prostate cancer as does being African-American or having a family history of the disease. Lifestyle factors may also be involved but a causative relationship has yet to be established.

Red Wine's Antioxidant

Red wine made headlines primarily because of its antioxidant content. It contains resveratrol, which may help prevent malignant cell development. The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center reported in 2004 that this antioxidant's anti-inflammatory function may inhibit enzymes that contribute to cancer cell growth. In addition, resveratrol has the ability to block cell division and increase apoptosis, the process of planned cell death. Resveratrol has the potential to reduce male hormones as well, which could play a role in prostate cancer growth.

Research Findings

An August 2007 study published in the journal "Carcinogenesis" revealed that red wine's resveratrol either prevented or stopped growth of cancerous tumors in the prostate. Other findings, published in October 2010 in the "FASEB Journal," also found that red wine antioxidants disrupt prostate cancer growth. Yet, these studies were carried out on mice, so it is still unclear how effective red wine consumption may be for men's prostate health. A total of 1,340 prostate cancer cases were analyzed in a January 2010 "International Journal of Cancer" study and the researchers found no association between red wine use and cancer.

Screenings

Whether you choose to drink a glass of red wine a day or not, it's important to discuss prostate cancer screenings with your doctor. The PSA --- prostate-specific antigen --- blood test can indicate the presence of prostate cancer. Your doctor can also perform a digital rectal exam to check for growths or abnormalities on the prostate. Early-stage cancer has no symptoms and some cases never cause any health problems. Signs of advanced cancer include blood in the urine, impotence and problems with urination or bowel control. You may also develop numbness or tingling in your lower half or pain in the hips, ribs or spine, according to the American Cancer Society.