Prostate Cancer in Black Musicians: Is Music Making You Sick?
Observational data has suggested that a number of jazz guitarists have developed and died of prostate cancer. Cancer incidence is strongly linked to lifestyle choices - race, diet, late nights, smoking and alcohol, but is this purely lifestyle related? Or is there something else at work? Why don't their bandmates have similar issues?
Could electromagnetic fields from electric guitars held close to the pelvic region have a role to play?
Dr Mykaell Riley (Co-Organiser & Chair / Reader in Music, UoW)
Dr Claire Robertson (Senior Lecturer in Epidemiology, UoW)- Risks and stats on PCa
Prof Greg Shaw (UCL- Professor of Urology) – Clinical trials and current treatment options
Dr Pinar Uysal-Onganer (Co-Organiser / Reader in Molecular Biology / PCa researcher, UoW) - Where
are we on prostate
cancer research?
Prof Catherine Loveday (Professor, UoW)- Mental health and music + Guest musicians will share
personal experiences and stories.
2pm - Welcome
Short movie screening
2.10pm - 2.20pm - Orchids Cancer Talk
2.20pm - 2.30pm - Prostate Cancer Research Talk
2:30pm - Panel Discussions + Q&A
3.50pm - 4pm - Closing Remarks
4pm - 6pm - Drinks Reception
1 in 4 black men will get prostate cancer in their lifetime, 50% more than white men.
Studies suggest that participation in musical activities may protect you from cancer. However, the lifestyle and working patterns of some musicians have a lifestyle might increase the risk of cancer. The aim of this meeting is to assess prostate cancer risks among black musicians.
The exposure of musicians to other carcinogens remains unstudied. However, occupational and lifestyle exposures common amongst musicians may include suboptimal working arrangements and conditions, irregular working hours, challenges in quantity and quality of sleep, erratic diet, and exposure to physical strains, all of which may directly or indirectly increase the risk for cancer.
The observational data shows that a remarkable number of jazz guitarists who died of prostate cancer. Is this because of during playing, the guitar is held in proximity of the pelvic region of the guitarists? Is it possible that the prostate gland could be affected by the potential carcinogenetic effects of both the electromagnetic field via iron ions, which can be, activated by various enzymes involved in hormone production? Or is riskthis purely lifestyle related?
Our expert panel will discuss the potential risk factors for prostate cancer in black musicians. This event will be the first of two events. Your participation and contribution will help us to understand the ethnic and social background of this deadly disease.