Correlation between

Prostate Cancer and

Arsenic
Presenter : Jevaine White

Discount Centre Pharmacy

What is Prostate Cancer

This is where the cells within the prostate gland grows

uncontrollably.

If not controlled these cells can metastasize throughout

other areas of the body.

The risk factors for Prostate Cancer

Exposure to Cadmium
Exposure to Arsenic
Family History
Age
Diet
Smoking
Obesity

What is Arsenic

Symbol As
Belongs to a Group Vb
Was discovered in 1250 by Albertus Magnus
It is a naturally occurring element.
It has both metallic and non metallic properties.

Applications for Arsenic

Arsenic was discovered as a poison in the 1950s.

Due to this knowledge it was used as a pesticide and
insecticide.

It was used as a medicine within the 19th century to

treat patient that had acute promyelocytic leukemia,
syphilis and various cancers.

Where can Arsenic be found

Arsenic exist as both Organic and Inorganic form

(cancerous).
The inorganic form is found in industries and building
products.
Whereas the organic compound is found in marine foods
such as fish and algae.

Correlation between Arsenic and

Prostate
According to Tibbetts, J. 2005 Arsenic and Prostate
Cancer: Acquiring Androgen Independence.
There has been a direct correlation between the dose of
Arsenic intake and the rate at which prostate cells
proliferate.
Additionally, it is reported that only a low level of
exposure to this chemical is needed to convert cells to
cancerous cells.
Arsenic is also reported to be responsible for Erectile
Dysfunction.

Correlation between Arsenic and

Prostate Contd

An experiment carried out on a control group of rats and

a group exposed to sodium arsenite , over a 29 weeks
period showed where prostate cells proliferated 2.5
times faster than control cells.

Correlation between Arsenic and

Prostate Contd

The mechanism by which Arsenic carries out its effect on

the prostate is still not understood.

However it was evident that Arsenic exposure is directly

related prostate cells becoming androgen indepedence.

Correlation between Arsenic and

Prostate Contd

Environment as also played a factor in prostate cancer.

In a study carried out by (Mckay et al. 2003) showed
where males that are from an environment (Asia) where
prostate cancer is not overwhelming have become
susceptible to prostate cancer, once they migrate to the
western world.

Correlation between Arsenic and

Prostate Contd

With this evidence it has prove that race and ethnic

group is not much of a risk factor.

However the environment plays a critical role it Prostate

Cancer.

Arsenic within the Environment

With this discovery, it has lead scientist research the

sources of Arsenic both within the environment and food
we consume.

This result of this research has surprised both the

researchers and its readers.

Chicken

The main source of protein of Jamaican citizens.

The favorite meat kind.
The cheapest meat kind.
From you can have chicken liver, chicken gizzard,
chicken back , wing and chicken neck.

Chicken Contd

These chicken are feed with chicken feedens.

Also known to the Jamaican Masses as Broiler Ration.

Chicken Contd
In an article titled U.S. sales of widely used drug for
chickens to be suspeded by Tom Watkins.
It states that Food and Drug Administration has
confirmed the presence of Arsenic in chicken.
It was also disclosed that Arsenic was introduced to the
poultry through its feeding.
Arsenic levels was highest in the chickens liver and also
found within the chickens meat

Water

This is essential to the survival of humans.

Water makes up more than two thirds of human body
weight, and without water, we would die in a few days.
The human brain is made up of 95% water, blood is 82%
and lungs 90%.
It is also recommended that humans should have at
least eight glasses of water per day.

Water
Water serves the following purpose in humans

Water forms the base for saliva

Water forms the fluids that surround the joints.
Water regulates the body temperature, as the cooling &
heating is distributed through perspiration.

Water helps to alleviate constipation by moving food

through the intestinal tract and thereby eliminating
waste - the best detox agent.
Water helps to regulate metabolism.

Water serves as a lubricant.

Water

In a research carried out in 1999 by T. Thompson

showed where tap water within the US had Arsenic
levels that exceeded the amount that the legislation has
allowed.
Hence this another source Arsenic to male sex.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer, their main purpose is to provide nutrients to

the soil that will eventually become available to the plant
or ground produce to utilize.
Within Jamaica fertilizers are widely used in our
agriculture industry.

Often times these fertilizers arent tested for elements

such as Arsenic.
However, inorganic form of Arsenic is found within a
number of fertilizers.

Ground Produce and Vegetables

Ground produce like yam, irish, coco and vegetables are

produce that are grown with these fertilizers.
This also puts the male at risk of ingesting Arsenic.

Pesticides
These agents are normally used to kill insects and other
creatures which are normally nuisance to the human.

The presence of Arsenic as been identified in these

agents.
However these agents are nt normally dispose of
properly.

Also they arent use properly.

Nor are we interesting in knowing the composition of
these agents.
Due to these improper usage and storage of these
agents. This allows for easy ingestion and contamination
of water sources.

Other Sources of Arsenic

Baby Formula
Motts Apple Juice
Grape Juice
Organic Brand

Consideration

The foods we consume daily, is it safe?

Is it safe for our males to consume?
What steps are the relevant authority taking to protect
our foods?

References
Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR). Case
Studies in Environmental Medicine: Arsenic Toxicity. 2009. Accessed
at www.atsdr.cdc.gov/csem/arsenic/index.html on April 26, 2010.
Frumkin H, Thun MJ. Arsenic. CA Cancer J Clin. 2001;51;254-262.
International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC Monographs on
the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. Supplement 7:
Overall Evaluations of Carcinogenicity: An Updating of IARC
Monographs Volumes 1 to 42. 1987. Accessed at
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/suppl7/Suppl7-19.pdf
on April 20, 2010.
International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). IARC
Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans.
Vol. 84: Some drinking-water disinfectants and contaminants,
including arsenic. 2004. Accessed at
http://monographs.iarc.fr/ENG/Monographs/vol84/index.php on
April 20, 2010.

References
Mead MN. Arsenic: in search of an antidote to a global
poison. Environ Health Perspect. 2005;113(6):A378A386.
US Consumer Product Safety Commission. Fact Sheet:
Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) -Treated Wood Used
in Playground Equipment. Accessed at
www.cpsc.gov/phth/ccafact.html on April 26, 2010.

US Department of Health and Human Services. Public

Health Service, National Toxicology Program. Report on
Carcinogens, Eleventh Edition. 2005. Accessed at
http://ntp.niehs.nih.gov/ntp/roc/eleventh/profiles/s015a
rse.pdf on April 20, 2010.

References
US Department of Labor, Occupational Safety & Health
Administration. Arsenic Standards. 2008. Accessed at
www.osha.gov/SLTC/arsenic/standards.html on April 26,
2010.
US Environmental Protection Agency. Integrated Risk
Information System: Arsenic, inorganic (CASRN 744038-2). 1998. Accessed at
www.epa.gov/ncea/iris/subst/0278.htm on April 22,
2010.