What Is Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in a gland of the male reproductive system, the prostate. Obviously, this cancer can only affect males, since it involves a male gland. In prostate cancer, prostate cells mutate and multiply out of control. These cancerous cells start to kill healthy cells in the prostate, and may also spread to other parts of the body. Most commonly, the bones around the prostate are also affected by the disease.
The Symptoms
At the earliest stages of prostate cancer, the majority of men will not notice any unusual symptoms. Symptoms usually appear only when the cancer has sufficiently advanced. This is a bad sign. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you must see a medical professional immediately.
The most common symptoms of prostate cancer include:
1. A general pain in the prostate area
2. A need to urinate frequently, especially at nighttime
3. Difficulty in urinating, both in starting or holding back
4. Interrupted or weak flow of urine
5. The presence of blood and in urine and semen
6. Pain or burning sensation when urinating
7. Erectile dysfunction (inability to have or sustain an erection)
8. Uncomfortable or painful ejaculation
9. A frequent pain or stiffness in the upper thighs, hips, or lower back
The aforementioned symptoms can also be related to other reproductive diseases other than prostate cancer. To determine exactly what you have, it is imperative that you see a doctor or a reproductive specialist, who will conduct several tests and recommend a course of treatment for you.
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Risk Factors
There are several factors that affect prostate cancer risk. Age plays a key role - prostate cancer is most common in men over fifty years of age. Family history is also an important indicator. If you have a close male relative who has suffered or is suffering from the disease, you are twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer yourself. Your nationality and racial genetics may also play a part. Studies show, for instance, that African-Americans are most at risk, followed by Americans and Europeans. Asians (especially those that live in the East and Southeast portions of the continent) are the least at risk.
An individual's lifestyle and diet may also play an important part in the development of prostate cancer, but the evidence is often conflicting. At present, while prostate cancer is not a preventable disease, it can be mitigated by alterations in a person's food consumption and general way of life.
Detection of the Cancer
Certain physical tests may reveal the presence of prostate cancer. Most commonly, the PSA, or prostate specific antigen test is used to detect the disease. If there is suspicion that a man has prostate cancer, a confirmation test will often be administered. Typically, a small piece of the prostate will be removed and examined under a microscope. Other tests such as X-rays and bone scans may also be useful in detecting the cancer and determining the extent to which it has spread.
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