Similarly, a study at the University of Cincinnati found that a soy diet protected against breast cancer triggered by an estrogen-like chemical. Testicular Cancer and Low Sperm Counts Testicular cancer, while relatively rare, is the most common type of cancer among men ages 15 to 35, and its worldwide incidence has increased as much as fourfold since 1940. As early as the 1970s, Skakkebaek noticed that many male patients with reproductive malformations eventually developed testicular cancer. He found that some of the abnormal, precancerous cells from children were similar to fetal cells, suggesting that something went awry while they were still in the womb. But don't blame everything on DES mothers and environmental estrogens.
Fathers play an important role in promoting the health of their sons, too.
In one study, Paul A. Motchnik, Ph.D., of the University of California, Berkeley, discovered that low levels of vitamin C increase the likelihood of genetic damage to sperm. Several studies have found that smoking tobacco lowers the body's levels of vitamin C. One bright spot is a study by Earl B. Dawson, Ph.D., of the University of Texas, Galveston, showing that 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily dramatically improves sperm quality. By this age, levels of the male hormone testosterone begin declining while a hormonal byproduct, dihydrotestosterone, starts increasing. The latter causes the prostate to enlarge, which then pinches the urethra and blocks the flow of urine from the bladder. Sometimes BPH can cause painful urination.