The Prostate
The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system. It is found in front of the rectum and just below the bladder. One of its main functions is to create semen that will carry the sperm. The sperm is then kept healthy for fertilization by the semen produced. The prostate surrounds the tube that carries urine away from the bladder and out of the body which inturns helps with bladder control in men. A young man's prostate is about the size of a walnut, but grows larger with age. Problems may occur if the prostate gets too large. Some common problems include:
• Prostatitis - an infection usually caused by bacteria
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate
• Prostate cancer - a common cancer that may be treated if detected early
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting men’s prostate usually over the age of 60. It is considered as the second leading cause of death from cancer, next to lung cancer. This condition develops when a tumour grows slowly in the prostate gland.
Prostate cancer may develop as a hereditary condition, but there are several risk factors that should be taken into account as well.
• advancing age
• hormonal influences
• environmental factors such as toxins, chemicals and industrial products
• sexually transmitted infections
Knowledge about the risk factors of prostate cancer makes it easier for people to learn about their condition at an early stage. It is important to take note of the symptoms as well in order for us to be certain that it is indeed testicular cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Early Stage
Usually, prostate cancer does not show prostate cancer symptoms in its early stages. Signs of this disease can only be discovered through a check-up that will show abnormalities on a blood test or when you feel a lump in the prostate gland.
Advanced Stage
Signs of potential prostate cancer may be felt more in this stage. A common symptom is the development of an enlarged tumour that prevents the flow of urine making it difficult to urinate. As the tumour continues to grow, it can result in a painfully obstructed and enlarged urinary bladder. On top of that, patients may also experience burning with urination or blood in the urine and cause types of incontinence in men.
Final Stage
In the final prostate cancer stages of prostate cancer, the cancer cells may spread to other areas of the body already. General symptoms include fatigue, depression and weight loss. You will be able to feel when the cancer cells have spread through a certain part of your body when you experience the following symptoms:
• back or pelvic pain when in the lower spine or the pelvic bones
• pain in the abdomen and jaundice when it has reached the liver
• chest pain and coughing when it has spread through the lungs.
What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?
Early and Advanced Stages include:
• surgery
• radiation therapy
• hormonal therapy
• cryotherapy,
• and combinations of some of the treatments
Final Stages
• hormonal therapy
• chemotherapy
Treatment for the final stage of prostate cancer will only slow the growth of the tumour at best.
Prevention
To prevent or delay the onset of prostate cancer treatment, it is advisable to lead a healthy lifestyle. This may be achieved by:
• Maintaining an ideal weight through constant diet and do your kegel exercises for men.
• Minimizing your fat intake from red meat and dairy products.
• Seeking medical treatment for stress, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and depression. Treating these conditions may save your life and will improve your survivorship with prostate cancer
• Being conscious of your calcium intake. Take only the advised dosage per day because going over the top will only be detrimental to your health.
• Eating more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like fish. Also try to avoid trans fatty acids found in margarine.
• Relaxing and enjoying life. Reducing stress in the workplace and home will improve your survivorship and lead to a longer, happier life.
• Introducing more vegetables into your diet such as tomatoes that are cooked with olive oil and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. Soy and green tea are also potential dietary components that may be helpful.
• Avoiding the urge to smoke and limiting alcohol intake.