Cancer of the Prostate Gland
An Introduction to Prostate Cancer
As the name suggests Prostate Cancer is a cancer of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system so prostate cancer can only affect males. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer afflicting American males and unquestionably the most dangerous and life-threatening medical condition that can affect the prostate gland.
There are other medical conditions that can seriously affect the functions of the urinary system but unlike prostate cancer there is no possibility of being fatal. As the prostate cancer cells start to mutate and multiply beyond control they kill healthy cells in the process. Prostate cancer usually spreads to other parts of the body, especially the bones surrounding the prostate furthering the severity of the disease and threatening other important organs.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
Most of the prostate cancer symptoms can be attributed to other medical conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH or a build-up of corpora amylacea, which makes early detection of prostate cancer very difficult.
As a precaution, if you experience any of the symptoms listed below, you must see your doctor as soon as possible. The reason is that prostate cancer symptoms are not obvious until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.
The most common prostate cancer symptoms include:
a weak flow of urine or interruption
a pain in the area of the prostate
at night-time, frequent visits to the bathroom to urinate
a frequent stiffness or pain in the lower back, upper thighs or hips
loss of control when urinating, both starting or delaying
erectile dysfunction (inability to have or sustain an erection)
blood in both urine and semen
a burning sensation or actual pain when urinating
discomfort or pain when ejaculating
Do not be alarmed because these symptoms may also be caused by other reproductive diseases. That is why it is imperative that you consult your doctor to determine the precise cause and undergo the appropriate treatment.
Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
Research scientists have not yet been able to discover the causes of prostate cancer but there are well documented risk factors:
Aging plays a significant part in the development of prostate cancer and the majority of patients will be over 50 years of age. The prostate increases in size with age and males over the age of 65 are very susceptible to developing prostate cancer. It is rare for prostate cancer to be found in males under the age of 45.
Family history has a bearing on your chances of attracting prostate cancer. You are twice as likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer if you have a close male relative who has suffered or is suffering from this disease.
Your nationality and racial genetics are also considered important factors. African American males are most likely to develop prostate cancer, followed by Caucasians and then Native Americans and Asian Americans. Asians who live in the East and Southeast portions of the continent are least at risk.
Whilst prostate cancer is not a preventable disease, studies appear to indicate that men who eat a diet rich in red meat and animal fats have a greater risk of developing prostate cancer than men who eat higher quantities of fruits and vegetables. This suggests that risk may be mitigated by changes in your food consumption and lifestyle.
