Prostate Cancer

Posted on December 23rd, 2007 by olga

As a matter of fact, prostate cancer is the second most widespread form of cancer in American men after skin cancer. It’s true that according to a recent study, men with prostate cancer had just about identical 5- and 10-year survival rates as men without the disease.
Unfortunately, researchers do not yet identify the exact cause of prostate cancer. Nevertheless, there are facts that its development is linked to higher levels of androgens, or male hormones, counting testosterone. Almost all prostate cancers enlarge when glandular cells (the producers of the seminal fluid) in the prostate grow out of control; this type of cancer is called prostate adenocarcinoma.
We have to mention that it’s unusual for men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 50, but the risk boosts notably for men over 50 years. And according to the researches African American men have the highest risk of developing prostate cancer, and Asian men have the lowest. Additionally, some studies have shown that a diet high in fat may add to the development of prostate cancer.
Men with prostate cancer in its early stages usually do not have symptoms. Then they may suffer from a slow or weak urinary stream or require urinating more often. Moreover, men may suffer from weight loss, lack of energy, blood in the urine, problems with erection, bone pain, weakness, numbness in the legs or feet, and/or loss of bladder or bowel control.
Prevention
Frankly speaking, there is presently no known way to absolutely stop prostate cancer. On the other hand, a person’s risk of developing the disease can be lessened by exercise and keeping a low-fat diet that contains of plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Incorporating phytochemical-rich foods, for instance tomatoes and tomato products (which contain lycopene), soy products (which have isoflavones), garlic (which contain allyl sulfides), and green tea (which have polyphenols), may as well help decrease risk.
And call your attention that the best prevention of prostate disease is habitual check-ups. Prostate cancer is without difficulty cured when caught early. Men, who see any signs of prostate cancer, even those less than 40 years of age, should make it a point to visit a health care provider. Later than the age of 40, habitual prostate check-ups are highly proposed for all men. A yearly test can help to keep away from main complications with prostate cancer later in life.
Some men are reluctant to be screened for prostate cancer for the reason that they may be painful with the exams. These exams may seem strange, taboo, or “unmanly” to men not comfortable with being penetrated anally, even with a finger. But it’s important not to let discomfort interfere with getting good healthcare.
As a matter of fact, prostate cancer test can involve testing the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in a man’s blood and/or a digital rectal exam (DRE). PSA is a product of the prostate gland; higher levels of PSA may point to prostate cancer, surrounded by other things. Throughout a DRE, a medical provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for anything hard or lumpy that might be cancer. A health care provider can use the results of these tests to decide whether to do other, more accurate tests for prostate cancer.