Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate grow out of control and they form tumors. When the prostate has many small tumors formed from these abnormal out of control cells, prostate cancer is diagnosed.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that there will be 192,280 new cases if prostate cancer and 27,360 deaths from prostate cancer in 2009 in the United States. Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer (just behind lung cancer) in men and 1 in 6 of men will be diagnosed with this type of cancer. Currently, it is estimated that 2 million men in the United States currently have prostate cancer.

Most men in the early stages of prostate cancer do not have any symptoms, however; when the disease progresses the following symptoms may appear: * A need to urinate frequently, especially at night; * Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine; * Weak or interrupted flow of urine; * Painful or burning urination; * Blood in urine or semen; or * Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs. Due to the fact that these symptoms may also be signs of other diseases, a comprehensive work up from your family physician is vital.

The National Cancer Institute's has developed a chart which gives age ranges of men and the probability of a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Age Range Probability of Prostate Cancer

Under age 40 1 in 19,299 Age 40 - 59 1 in 45 Age 60-79 1 in 7

So what does this chart really mean? It means that the men in your lives need to be tested regularly for prostate cancer. Additionally, men of African decent have a 60% risk higher than Caucasian men which are the second highest racial group.

The Mayo Clinic says that there really is not much proven to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, but recommends the following MIGHT help. 1) Don't overeat. 2) Avoid high-fat foods. 3).Make healthy choices. 4) Drink alcohol in moderation. 5) Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables. 6) Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids. 7) Eat soy products and legumes. 8) Drink green tea.

In a study Harvard study the team of investigators found that men who ate more than 10 servings of tomato-based foods daily (such as cooked tomatoes and tomato sauce, V8 juice) had a 35 percent lower risk of developing prostate cancer. My recipe for a great source of lycopene:

Mary' Favorite Pasta Sauce 1 can low-sodium (or no sodium) tomato sauce 1 can low-sodium (or no sodium) tomato paste 1 small onion (optional) 2 cloves garlic or 1 tsp garlic powder ¼ to ½ tsp no sodium Cajun spice 1 tbsp Italian seasoning ½ tsp sugar (optional but really helps cut the acid taste) 1 tsp basil 1 tsp oregano 1 can/bottle regular not light beer of your choice (can substitute 1 cup wine or 3 cups water) Dash of parmesan cheese for topping Splash of olive oil 1 lb ground turkey, beef or Boca Crumbles® (soy product) Your choice of noodles (spaghetti, angle hair, etc)

Add a splash of olive oil to a pan, heat and add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until onions are clear. Remove from pan and set aside. Add your ground turkey or beef to pan and sauté until brown. Drain off all the fat from the pan that you can.

Add the tomato sauce, tomato paste, spices, beer, sugar, onion/garlic to pan (add Boca Crumbles® if you are making the veggie version of this recipe). Add water if sauce is too thick. Turn to low and simmer for at least one hour or longer if possible.

Boil water with a dash of salt and olive oil (I like to add the olive oil to keep the noodles from sticking together, but I know a lot of people do not) add noodles and cook according to directions.

Serve noodles with sauce and sprinkle the top with parmesan cheese. Serve with a side of veggies (your choice) and/or good whole grain bread.

Feel free to jazz up this recipe by adding squash, bell peppers or any other veggie to the sauce. Remember to sauté your added veggies with the onion and garlic.

For dessert serve lycopene rich fruits such as watermelon, papaya, apricots, or pink guava.

Sources of lycopene

Fruits/Veggies - Tomatoes, watermelons, pink grapefruits, apricots, pink guavas, red bell peppers, baked beans, Asparagus

Condiments - Catsup, bbq sauce, salsa, tomato soup, tomato sauce, tomato paste, tomato juice, V8 Juice, Salad dressing, Thousand Island dressing, Salad dressing, Russian dressing, Salad dressing, French dressing

Caution!!! Commercially prepared condiments may contain high amounts of sodium and sugar!! Read your labels carefully if your elder has to watch their sodium and glucose intake.