In the U.S., prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. High blood pressure is a common health condition seen in both men and women, but a more significant percentage of men (50%) have hypertension compared to women(44%). As you grow older, prostate cancer and hypertension can be a cause for concern. Being informed about high blood pressure and prostate cancer and the link between them equips you to face health challenges better.

This blog focuses on the connection between hypertension and prostate cancer, exploring the impact of high blood pressure on prostate cancer, lifestyle risk factors, prevention, and treatment approaches.

The Link Between Prostate Cancer and Hypertension

High blood pressure or hypertension is known to be a factor for prostate cancer and is also one of the major causes of mortality among prostate cancer patients. High blood pressure-prostate cancer link has been the topic of several studies and research.

The Prostate Cancer Throughout Life (PROCA-life) study examined the link between pre-diagnostic blood pressure and prostate cancer risk. Out of the 12,271 men who participated in the study, 811 men developed prostate cancer. The study also looked into the link between pre-diagnostic high blood pressure and overall mortality among patients with prostate cancer.

The study findings show:

• Men over the age of 45 with a systolic (upper level) BP higher than 150 mmHg had a 35% higher risk of prostate cancer in comparison to men with normal blood pressure.
• Prostate cancer patients with hypertension had 49% higher overall mortality.
• Prostate cancer patients treated with curative intent but had high BP and a threefold increased mortality risk.

Another study suggests that prostate cancer and hypertension share a common androgen-mediated mechanism, which makes hypertension a leading cause of prostate cancer.

Impact of Hypertension on Prostate Cancer Development

High blood pressure is commonly associated with inflammation, which is one of the causative factors of prostate cancer development. The inflammatory cells in the prostate gland, known as proliferative inflammatory atrophy, are known to be linked with precursor lesions for prostate cancer.

Also, systemic pre-diagnostic inflammatory bio-markers such as highly-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and white blood cells are linked to prostate cancer development.

Lifestyle Habits That Impact Hypertension Management and Prostate Cancer Prevention

Along with age, family history, and ethnicity, high blood pressure is also a risk factor for men to develop prostate cancer. Your lifestyle habits directly impact your overall health, including high blood pressure. Healthy lifestyle habits that help manage blood pressure can also help prevent prostate cancer development. They include:

• Regular exercise to manage body weight.
• Eat a balanced and healthy diet.
• Avoid artificially sweetened drinks and processed foods.
• Avoid unhealthy fats found in dairy products and red meat.
• Add healthy fats to your diet with olive oil and fatty fish.
• Eat whole foods and plant-based nutrient-rich food such as broccoli, cauliflower, and tomatoes.
• Do not exceed your daily calcium intake to over 1,200 mg.
• Limit your multivitamin intake.
• Avoid vitamin E and folic acid supplements.
• Include stress-relieving activities such as yoga, mindful meditation, and therapy.
• Regulate your blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
• Quit smoking and drinking alcohol.

Treatment Approaches for High Blood Pressure and Prostate Cancer

High blood pressure treatment includes certain lifestyle changes and medications. While the lifestyle habits that will help to keep your high blood pressure in check are mentioned above, the medications include:

• Diuretics
• Beta-blockers
• Alpha-beta-blockers
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs)
• Calcium channel blockers
• Alpha-1-blockers
• Alpha-2 receptor agonists
• Vasodilators

The prostate cancer treatment approach that your doctor recommends depends on several factors, including your overall health, how fast the cancer is growing, and how much it has spread. The treatment options are:

• Radiation therapy: It uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells
• Chemotherapy: It uses drugs to eliminate fast-growing cancer cells
• Radical prostatectomy: It’s a surgery to remove the entire prostate gland
• Brachytherapy: It targets the tumor with very high radiation while shielding the surrounding areas
• Cryosurgery: It uses a probe that is inserted into the tumor to freeze and destroy it
• Immunotherapy: It uses the patient’s immune system to combat prostate cancer

Get Quality Prostate Cancer Treatment with Us in Maryland

The prostate cancer specialists at Chesapeake Oncology Hematology Associates in Maryland have the requisite training, experience, and expertise to offer the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options for the best possible results.

Prostate cancer, if detected early, is treatable. So, if you are looking for the best healthcare facility for prostate cancer near you in Maryland, request an appointment today.

FAQs

1. Can prostate cancer cause high BP?

Some studies suggest that patients with prostate cancer have a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension.

2. Can high PsA cause high blood pressure?

People with PsA have a higher risk of high blood pressure.

3. Can the prostate affect blood pressure?

A dysfunctional prostate can increase blood pressure.

4. What are the signs that prostate cancer is getting worse?

The signs of prostate cancer worsening include fatigue, weight loss, bone pain, pain and difficulty while urinating, weaker urine stream, the urgent urge to urinate, and blood in the urine.

5. Where does the prostate cancer first spread to?

Prostate cancer first spreads to the bones.

6. At what age is prostate cancer most aggressive?

Prostate cancer is most aggressive among men aged over 65 years.