Every man's at risk Prostate cancer ranks fifth among the causes of
death for men over age 45. After lung cancer, prostate cancer is the
second leading cause of death among all men in the United States; for
Australian men, it is the second most common cancer after
non-melanoma skin cancers.[1] The risk of being diagnosed with
prostate cancer by the age of 85 is 1 in 5.[2]
Experts do not know how to prevent prostate cancer, nor do they know
how a man gets this cancer. While early detection can ensure wider
options for treatment and higher rates of remission following
treatment,[3] signs and symptoms of prostate cancer generally don't
show until the cancer is more advanced, and as such, getting early
screening checks can be important. The following article will help you
recognize certain symptoms of prostate cancer if they appear, as well
as increasing your awareness of the role of testing for prostate
cancer.
!! Steps !!
Understand what prostate cancer is. The prostate gland is located
beneath a man's bladder and surrounds the upper part of the
urethra.[4] Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor of the prostate.
Generally it is slow growing and early prostate cancer often shows
no symptoms.[5] It can occur in two forms:[6]
* Early prostate cancer: This is also known as localized prostate
cancer. The cancer is contained within the prostate, and can even
be present for years without causing any problems
* Advanced prostate cancer: At this stage, the cancer has spread
beyond the prostate and has entered other parts of the body and
tissues. Prostate cancer can spread to lymph nodes in the pelvis
and to other parts of the body through the bloodstream, such as
the lungs and bones.
Know if you're at risk. While all men are at risk for prostate
cancer, there are some men who have heightened risk factors. Men
at greater risk include:
* Men who have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer. This
risk is higher if your relative had prostate cancer at an early
age, or if you have more than one relative who has had prostate
cancer.[7]
* Men of African descent are at higher risk of prostate cancer than
men of European or Asian descent.[8][9]
* Older men. The risk of getting prostate cancer increases rapidly
after the age of 50.[10] Over half of new diagnoses of prostate
cancer affect men over the age of 70.[11]
* Exposure to Agent Orange increases your risk of getting prostate
cancer.[12]
* While a diet high in animal fats and low in fruit, vegetables, and
fish has some association with prostate cancer,[13][14] so far
there is no conclusive evidence about environmental and lifestyle
factors.[15] Obesity increases your chances of dying from prostate
cancer if diagnosed.[16] Even without the certainty of dietary
links, for the sake of general good health, it is important to eat
healthy.
Be aware that there may be no symptoms present. Many men with
prostate cancer often have no symptoms at all. If symptoms do
appear, watch for:
* Pain or burning during urination.
* Weak or disrupted flow of urine.
* The inability to urinate.
* Frequent urination, particularly at night.
* Blood in the urine.
* Ceaseless pain in the lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs.
* Impotence.[17]
* Note that the symptoms can also apply to other illnesses. The
symptoms could also mean lesser illnesses such as an enlarged
prostate (BPE or benign prostatic enlargement) or an infection of
the prostate (prostatis).
The risk increases with age See your doctor if you experience any of
the symptoms listed or if you're at risk. Given that there may be no
symptoms present, if you fall within the risk factors, it is
important to discuss screening and testing needs with your doctor.
You should be able to get screening from your family doctor,
especially where you're over 60, or have strong a family history of
prostate cancer.[18] Be aware that the tests for prostate cancer are
not 100 percent accurate and that some medical experts are not
convinced of the need for testing. Indeed, there is a concern that
diagnosis may result in unnecessary treatment that carries its own
negative impacts on quality of life.[19] On the other hand, some men
choose to have a test at ages 35–40, to establish a "baseline" PSA
level for future comparison with tests as they age.[20] If you do
choose screening after discussing all the consequences with your
doctor, you may be subjected to the following tests:
* The DRE or digital (finger) rectal exam. During this test, the
doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into your rectum.
The doctor feels the back portion of the prostate to inspect its
size and to detect any peculiar or abnormally hard areas.
* PSA test or "prostate-specific antigen" test. In this test, a
small sample of blood is drawn from your arm. The doctor will
inspect the blood to see if the PSA level is normal; prostate
cancer can cause large amounts of PSA to end up in your
bloodstream.[21] There is reliable evidence that PSA screening can
catch early-stage prostate cancer.
* Testing for and treatment of prostate cancer is less likely to be
of benefit for older men, especially after the age of 75.[22]
* The prognosis is good with early treatment,[23] although in some
cases there may be no need for treatment if a detected prostate
cancer has a slow growth pattern.[24] Your doctor will need to
determine your needs depending on an analysis of your particular
case; there are no one-size-fits-all treatment options.
!! Video !!
!! Tips !!
* Screening is one way to determine if you need further testing for
prostate cancer. Medical experts differ among themselves as to the
necessity of screening. For this reason the choice to undergo
these tests is a matter that should be discussed between you and
your doctor.
* There is a new test which produces an accurate PSA result in 10
minutes called PSA Watch. It's a hand-held device into which blood
samples can be inserted, and the device has a screen which
displays the results 10 minutes later. You might want to ask your
doctor if this test is available.
!! Warnings !!
* Screening tests may lead to additional tests and treatment of a
prostate cancer that may never cause complications - some
treatments may have serious side effects, such as impotence and
incontinence.
* Some prostate cancers are a serious threat because they grow
quickly, spreading to other parts of the body, and causing death.
!! Related WikiHows !!
* How to Cope With Enlarged Prostate
* How to Get Prostate Relief With Saw Palmetto
* How to Treat a Urinary Tract Infection
* How to Treat Prostate Cancer
* How to Use GCP and AHCC and the Treatment of Prostate Cancer
!! Sources And Citations !!
* http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/
* http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/risk_factors.htm
* http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/basic_info/screening.htm
* http://www.birminghamprostateclinic.co.uk/news_10_11_08.php
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