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At some point in the past, either an event or a common ancestor, passed on genes which cause a higher predisposition to prostate cancer in some groups than others. The descendants with those genes were able to survive longer than others without the mutation. Maybe it was luck, or maybe it caused a protection against some other predator or disease which hasn't been identified or no longer exists as a threat.
It could even be something as simple as maybe the predisposition is "normal" and the diets of some ancestors were naturally protective against prostate cancer; whereas, others in other areas died off faster when they didn't have the protective mutation since their diet did not protect them.
This is most likely a combination of issues, but ultimately ties into a genetic program for prostate cells and immune responses to mutants of those cells which fail to self destruct or which begin replicating too quickly.
While each ancestral line, and each ancestral tier propagates certain traits, nothing is "set". This is why people of all color suffer prostate cancer. It's also likely that there are several independent factors that tie into prostate cancer.
The same can be said for any genetic disease.
We are quickly approaching the time where one might order a genetic profile and receive a list of predispositions based on their own genetic make-up. Something like this would allow someone to take precautions (ie, more fiber, more lycopene) against the diseases they are more likely to contract as they age.
Until then, learning of our family history and racial history are the best we can do to protect ourselves from genetic predispositions.
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∙ 14y ago
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Can Africans get melanoma?
everyone can get melanoma1 out of 3 people can get melanoma
Do all people die from melanoma?
It depends on the type of melanoma. If treated early it can be cured by surgery.
How many people does melanoma kill a year?
The annual mortality rate for melanoma is 7,215 individuals.
Can dark skinned people still get melanoma?
Yes, though it is uncommon, dark skinned people still have a small chance at developing melanoma.
What is the word root in Melanoma?
Melano- is the root. It's a Greek word meaning "black."
How do people get melanoma?
Melanoma is usually caused by exposure to sun light. Please use sunscreen every day, no matter the weather.
Is melanoma always caused by sun exposure?
No. Melanoma can occur in people who have always avoided excessive sun exposure, just as lung cancer can occur in people who have never smoked, and never lived with a smoker. But the rate of melanoma is much higher in people who have been "sun worshipers" all their lives.
How many people died of Melanoma in 2000-2008?
24
A malignant black tumore is a melanocarcin?
The characteristic lesion is an irregular, enlarging black macule, which has a malignant melanoma a malignant skin tumor.
What does the black cancer ribbon stand for?
the black ribbon is in support of melanoma cancer patients.
What is the medical terminology for black cell?
Melanoma literally means black tumor. It is a tumor of the melanin-producing cells.
What are Symptoms of melanoma?
Symptoms of melanoma include leg pain, itchy skin, bleeding from the ears and dizziness. Most people with melanoma will also complain of severe headaches from time to time because of the lack of blood circulating.
