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Agent
Orange linked to increased risk of Prostate
Cancer
Newswise — In a study first
presented during the Annual Scientific
Meeting of the American Urological
Association (AUA) in May 2008 and published
in the September 15 issue of the journal
Cancer, researchers examined prostate
cancer incidence and disease characteristics
in those exposed to Agent Orange compared to
those who were not exposed.
They found that twice as many
men exposed to Agent Orange were identified
with prostate cancer. Agent Orange-exposed
men were also diagnosed younger and were
more likely to present with aggressive or
metastatic disease. Other prostate cancer
risk factors – race, body-mass index (BMI)
and smoking – were not statistically
different between the two groups.
This increased evidence
suggests that exposure to Agent Orange
should be considered a risk factor for
developing prostate cancer, similar to
African-American heritage or a family
history of the disease.
About
Agent Orange
Agent Orange is a combination of two
synthetic compounds known to be contaminated
with the dioxin
tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxin (TCDD) during
the manufacturing process.
Named for the color of the
barrel in which it was stored, Agent Orange
was one of many broad-leaf defoliants used
in Vietnam to destroy enemy ground cover.
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Currently, digital rectal examination (DRE)
and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests
are used to detect prostate cancer.
DRE: The physician inserts a
gloved finger into the rectum and examines
the prostate gland, noting any abnormalities
in size, contour or consistency.
PSA Test: The PSA test is
usually performed in addition to DRE and
increases the likelihood of prostate cancer
detection. The test measures the level of
PSA, a substance produced only by the
prostate, in the bloodstream.
Treatment Options
Prostate cancer can be treated in a number
of ways, including surgery, radiation and
hormonal therapy. Some cases of prostate
cancer may not need immediate treatment;
active surveillance may be a viable option
for these patients.
When
should a man start regular prostate cancer
screening?
Both prostate specific antigen ((PSA) and
digital rectal examination (DRE) should be
offered annually, beginning at age 50 years,
to men who have a life expectancy of at
least 10 years. Men at high risk (those with
a family history of prostate cancer or
African American men) should consider
beginning testing at an earlier age.
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