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Understanding Prostate Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options


CharlieH

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Understanding Prostate Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

 

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men worldwide. Despite its prevalence, it's a subject often shrouded in confusion and apprehension. This article aims to shed light on the critical aspects of prostate cancer, addressing frequently asked questions and exploring possible causes, symptoms, and treatments.

 

What is Prostate Cancer?

 

The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in males, situated just below the bladder. It plays a crucial role in the male reproductive system by producing seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor.

 

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

 

The exact cause of prostate cancer remains elusive, but several factors can increase the risk:

 

- Age: Prostate cancer is rare in men under 40, but the risk rises significantly after age 50.

- Family History: Genetics play a role; having a father or brother with prostate cancer doubles a man's risk.

- Race: African-American men are more likely to develop and die from prostate cancer than men of other races. The reasons for this discrepancy are still being studied.

- Diet and Lifestyle: A diet high in red meat and high-fat dairy products and low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk. Obesity has also been linked to a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer.

 

The Reproductive System | Loma Linda University Fertility

 

How do I Know if I have Prostate Cancer?

 

Early-stage prostate cancer usually has no symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms may include difficulty urinating, decreased force in the stream of urine, blood in the urine, bone pain, and erectile dysfunction. It's important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

 

Enlarged Prostate (BPH) - Urology Center of Iowa

 

How is Prostate Cancer Detected?

 

Regular screenings can help detect prostate cancer in its early stages. The two primary screenings are:

 

1. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: This blood test measures the level of PSA, a substance produced by the prostate. Elevated levels may suggest the presence of cancer.

 

2. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)A physical examination where a doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to check for abnormalities.

 

If these tests indicate the possibility of cancer, a biopsy is often recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

 

What are the Treatment Options?

 

Treatment depends on the stage of cancer, a patient’s age, overall health, and their personal preferences. Options include:

 

- Active Surveillance Monitoring the cancer closely with regular PSA tests and biopsies. Suitable for low-risk, slow-growing cancers.

-Surgery: A radical prostatectomy involves removing the prostate gland. It's often used when the cancer is confined to the prostate.

- Radiation Therapy: This includes external beam radiation or brachytherapy (placing radioactive seeds inside the prostate).

- Hormone Therapy: Reduces testosterone levels, as prostate cancer cells rely on this hormone to grow.

- Chemotherapy: Generally used for cancers that have spread outside the prostate or don’t respond to hormone therapy.

 

 

How Can Prostate Cancer be Prevented

 

Although there's no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, maintaining a healthy lifestyle may reduce your risk. This includes a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and discussing with your doctor the potential benefits and risks of screening.

 

Conclusion

 

Prostate cancer, while common, doesn't have to be a death sentence. Early detection and advancements in treatment have significantly improved outcomes. It's essential to have open discussions with healthcare providers and be informed about the risks and benefits of various screening and treatment options.

 

 

 

For more information, visit reputable sources such as:

- American Cancer Society: [cancer.org](https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer.html)

- Mayo Clinic: [mayoclinic.org](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087)

- National Cancer Institute: [cancer.gov](https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate)

 

These sources provide comprehensive, updated insights into prostate cancer and its management. Remember, awareness and regular medical check-ups are your best defences.

 

 

 

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About 5 years ago I got a pain down below and it was painful when I went for a number 1. Paracetamol and retired to bed, seemed to do the trick but next morning things ere going backwards so I went to the hospital guessing it was a prostrate problem, blood test and urine test confirmed this and the doctors told me I had an infection. Opted for the camera to have a look inside, not pleasant but an option. Since then I have been on 2 tablets which work together and cost me about 1300 bts a month and since then no problems although as we get older going to the loo takes longer and interest in the ladies declines.

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27 minutes ago, nong38 said:

About 5 years ago I got a pain down below and it was painful when I went for a number 1. Paracetamol and retired to bed, seemed to do the trick but next morning things ere going backwards so I went to the hospital guessing it was a prostrate problem, blood test and urine test confirmed this and the doctors told me I had an infection. Opted for the camera to have a look inside, not pleasant but an option. Since then I have been on 2 tablets which work together and cost me about 1300 bts a month and since then no problems although as we get older going to the loo takes longer and interest in the ladies declines.

So what Disease did you have?  

   Be thankful it wasn't Prostate Cancer brother.. stay safe and avoid hanging out in the bars... Time for life changes 

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6 hours ago, WoodyKenny said:

So what Disease did you have?  

   Be thankful it wasn't Prostate Cancer brother.. stay safe and avoid hanging out in the bars... Time for life changes 

An infection of the bladder which was affecting the prostrate, the gland according to the doctors was benign and the 2 tablets I have would keep it in check.

Every year with annual health check up a PSA test is done to keep an eye on the prostrate and I would encourage everyone to have this done, my full check up costs about 1100 bts, the PSA alone is 400.

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Age, family history & race: You have no control over these. (Yawn)

 

The 2 things you can control - ie greatly improve - are diet and lifestyle (ie exercise). As in just about every other 'Western' health issue - diabetes & dementia come to mind - sugar (in all its forms) is your enemy.

 

And it's never too late. Your decisions, your consequences.

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suggest that everyone read the best sellers by DR. William Li, a Harvard trained doctor, researcher and other titles who has been doing research on foods and diets in relation to diseases that plague all of mankind.  Older men are recommended to eat a diet heavy in Tomatoes and other "red"  or "pink"  fruits, especially pomegranates juice and or seeds to help prevent prostate problems and to help with the pharma treatments.  Recent findings by researchers in diets and particular foods are turning out to be amazing even to the researchers in the prevention and treatment of diseases including prostate problems including cancer.  Just a suggestion, as I am no expert in any case medical or pharma.  My father died of prostate cancer, telling me that the treatment was worse than the disease and if it came back in his case, he would die before going through the treatment again.  I myself have read Dr. Li's books, many findiings are fairly recent but I do notice now that other medical newsletters are picking up the same suggestions for older males (or for different diseases for women) diets heavy in "red" fruits like mentioned above.  Best of luck and good health.

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