Former football star O.J. Simpson, aged 76, passed away on Thursday after bravely battling cancer. While reports suggested he had been fighting prostate cancer, his family has yet to confirm this. Prostate cancer, the second most common form of male cancer after skin cancer, is known to be slow-growing and low-grade but can be fatal in certain cases.
Fortunately, when detected early and localized to the prostate, prostate cancer is highly curable with a five-year survival rate of over 99%. Thanks to advances in screening and treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, and targeted drug therapy, the death rate for prostate cancer has significantly decreased between 1993 and 2013.
However, certain groups, such as African American men and those with a family history of cancer, are at a higher risk for developing prostate cancer. Additionally, if the cancer spreads to other parts of the body like the bones, lungs, or brain, it can become deadly. Individuals living with prostate cancer may also be more prone to other health issues such as cardiovascular disease, COPD, stroke, or aneurysm.
African American men, in particular, are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer in the US, though this could be due to health inequities. Research also suggests that diets high in saturated fat and dairy products could contribute to the development of prostate cancer. While there is no standard test for prostate cancer screening, men aged 55 to 69 are advised to discuss screening with their doctors, whereas routine screening for men over 70 is not recommended.
Simpson’s passing has brought attention to the importance of awareness and early detection in the fight against prostate cancer, emphasizing the need for continued research and preventive measures in combating this disease.
