Cancer expo to emphasize early detection

Could a bowl of minestrone soup or Manhattan clam chowder lower a
man's risk for prostate cancer?

The American Journal of Epidemiology reports that lycopene, an
antioxidant found in cooked tomato products, may contribute to a
decreased risk for the disease.

"Italian-Americans and those with a Mediterranean diet, which has a
lot of tomato sauce in it, have a slightly lower incidence of prostate
cancer than other American men," said Dr. John Martin, a urologist
with offices in Poway and San Diego's Hillcrest neighborhood.

Each year, about 200,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer. There
are about 30,000 deaths from the disease annually.

Martin is one of several physicians who will discuss ways to detect
and prevent cancer during Palomar Pomerado Health's Collaborating
Against Cancer expo from 5 to 8:30 p.m. tomorrow at Carmel Mountain
Ranch Country Club.

The expo will include information about the risks of colon, breast,
prostate, skin, cervical, lung and other cancers. Exhibits, free
health screenings, a panel discussion and nutritional information will
be offered. The cost is $25 per person. A buffet dinner is included.

Japanese and Chinese men also have a significantly lower incidence of
prostate cancer than American men, Martin said. However,
Chinese-American and Japanese-American men are diagnosed with prostate
cancer at the same rate as American men.

Though the theory has not been proved, Martin said researchers believe
the reduction in prostate cancer among Asian men may be due to a diet
rich in soy and low in animal fat.

Regular screening and early detection of the disease have resulted in
an increased ability to treat it, he said.

"Early detection means having at least an annual blood test and a
digital rectal examination. We recommend that for every man over the
age of 50 and every man over the age of 40 who has a (family) history
of prostate cancer. ... If your father had prostate cancer, you have a
three times greater chance of developing it than someone who does
not."

Kay Kimball, manager of the cancer resource center at Palomar Medical
Center, said the conference is designed to provide the public with
information about preventing lesser-known cancers.

"October is breast cancer awareness month," Kimball said. "We wanted
to take advantage of the attention that's placed on breast cancer to
also provide information on other cancers that don't have a highly
publicized month of their own."

According to statistics published by the American Cancer Society, a
little fewer than one in two men and a little more than one in three
women will contract some form of cancer during their lifetime, Kimball
said.

"It's just imperative that people understand what the risk factors
are, the signs and symptoms, and become proactive in screening," she
said. "People need to learn what kind of screenings they need, because
they don't necessarily get them if they're not aware and asking for
them."

A registered dietitian at the expo will discuss the link between
nutrition and cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, about
a third of the 570,000 cancer deaths expected to occur this year will
be related to nutrition, obesity and physical inactivity.

Each paid admission to the expo will include a copy of "The New
American Plate: Recipes for Healthy Weight and a Healthy Life," by the
American Institute for Cancer Research. A blood cholesterol screening
is available for an additional $15.

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