Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men in the United States. In fact, it is second only to skin cancer. The prostate is located in front of the rectum, and below the bladder in a man. The prostate, which is about the size of a walnut, produces seminal fluid. This fluid is what carries the sperm out of the man’s body during ejaculation.
Men should begin getting screenings for prostate cancer at or around the age of 45. The risk of cancer grows higher as a man ages. Most men who are diagnosed with prostate cancer are over the age of 65. As with any type of cancer, the earlier the cancer is found, the better. This is why the screenings should begin early.
Prostate cancer is found more in men with African American heritage than in Caucasian men. It is found less in men who are Asian or Indian. A man’s chance of developing prostate cancer is higher if a man in his immediate family has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Diet may affect the chance of prostate cancer as well. Studies show that a man who consumes ‘bad fats’ may have a higher risk of developing this disease, while a man who has a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may have a lower risk. Smoking and obesity may also raise the risk of developing prostate cancer. Prostate cancer can be found in a man who never experienced any kind of symptoms.
However, some of the common symptoms of prostate cancer are:
- Being unable to urinate
- Pain or burning during urination
- Inability to stop the flow of urine
- Weak flow of urine
- Difficulty with erections
- Pain in the thighs or lower back
- Blood in the urine or semen
Often times, a man may experience these symptoms, and they will be unrelated to prostate cancer. However, if you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to speak with your doctor for a screening.
If a man exhibits symptoms like this, sometimes a doctor may choose to watch and see what happens. If the symptoms get worse, he may suggest a type of treatment. There are many types of prostate cancer treatments. Surgery can be used to find the cancer and remove or destroy it. After the surgery has been done, the individual will usually remain under watch to make sure that all of the cancer was removed, and that the individual is healthy.
Radiation therapy is used in much the same way as surgery. It is a local medical treatment, and the doctor will use very low levels of radiation to kill the cancerous cells before it spreads. There may be side effects to any type of prostate cancer treatment.
If you think that you may have prostate cancer, or you think that you have a loved one with this condition, speak to a doctor or urge your loved one to do so. When prostate cancer is found before it has spread to other places, it is much easier to treat and kill. If the cancer spreads, the individual may need treatment in other places in his body to get rid of al of the cancer. Speaking with your doctor and receiving screenings will ensure that any problems are caught soon enough to deal with quickly and effectively.
