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Facts about Prostate Cancer - helping your understanding of prostate cancer

The mere mention of prostate cancer raises concern and even fear in the hearts of men around the world. There are few people with an extensive knowledge of prostate cancer. All men, particularly older men, are at risk so it is important to know the essential facts about prostate cancer. In this article, we’ll give a basic overview of the disease to help you increase your knowledge.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

The symptoms of prostate cancer are usually quite easy to detect.

Common symptoms exhibited in those who have prostate cancer include:

  • a feeling that you need relief urgently
  • difficulty in beginning urinating
  • difficulty in finishing [ penis continues to dribble ]
  • decreased pressure during urination
  • blood or pus in the urine
  • frequent visits to the bathroom during the night

Also, those with prostate cancer may feel some pain when ejaculating, as well as a painful burning sensation when they urinate.

It’s important to consult your doctor if you think you may be experiencing some of the symptoms of prostate cancer.

Testing for Prostate Cancer

Prostate ImageThe most common method of testing for prostate cancer is a basic prostate examination. It involves a physician inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum so that he can feel the prostate, which is located a few inches up from the rectum.

A healthy prostate feels firm; if prostate cancer is present, the prostate may have hard spots on the surface.

For those who are squeamish about this type of testing, an alternative method is sometimes used. It is known as a PSA test. Blood is taken from the patient and screened for prostate-specific-antigen levels. Prostate-specific-antigens are present in all men, but those with prostate cancer often have a heightened level of antigen.

Treatment - Prostate Cancer

When it comes to treating prostate cancer, several approaches are employed.

  • Since many prostate cancers grow slowly, one common option is to carefully monitor the condition, noting how much the tumor progresses. If it is a slow-growth tumor, it may prove to be harmless in terms of mortality.
  • Radiation therapy and surgery are often employed to treat more serious forms of cancer growth. Unfortunately treatments of this type may be the cause of incontinence and impotence.

Facts about Prostate Cancer

  • In addition to skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most significant type of cancer that is experienced by men.
  • In the United States alone, roughly 179,300 new cases of the disease are diagnosed every year.
  • In the United States the average American male faces a 3.4 % risk of dying as the direct result of a prostate cancer condition.
  • Prostate Cancer occurs most commonly in men age 50 and older but men of any age can suffer from prostate cancer.
  • It is advisable for men over the age of 45 to have an annual prostate examination.
  • Statistics prove that age is a very important factor when looking at this disease. 8 out of 10 prostate cancer cases occur in men over age 65.
  • Individual categories that face significant risks of developing prostate cancer include African Americans and those who have a genetic history of prostate cancer in their families.

It should be made clear that many prostate growths that occur during midlife are non-cancerous. The medical term for this condition is 'benign prostatic hypertrophy' or BPH [hypertrophy means enlarged].

This illustrates how important it is to place trust in your doctor when choosing which treatment is right for you. If you don’t feel comfortable about a decision regarding a particular prostate cancer treatment, consider consulting another doctor to get a second opinion.

More articles.....

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Prostate Cancer Symptoms

What is Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer Surgery

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis 

PSA and Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer and Testosterone

Erectile Dysfunction with prostate cancer may lead to temporary impotence

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