Risk Factors For Prostate Cancer

By Gray Rollins

The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped sex gland in men that
produces the seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports
sperm. The growth of the cells in the prostate gland is
stimulated by the male sex hormone called testosterone. Though
its causes are unknown, prostate is a frightening
prospect for men. This threatens not just their lives,
but also their sexuality. Possible consequences of treatment
(even if the treatment has been successful in saving a person’s
life) include erectile dysfunction and bladder control problems.
Prostate progresses very slowly and the early stages show
little or no symptoms. If detected early, effective treatment
with minimum side effects is possible. Once the spreads
(metastizes) treatment becomes more difficult. 

A man’s vulnerability to prostate increases with age.
Most often, prostate is detected very late and people who
lose their lives do not die from prostate cancer, but die WITH
prostate cancer. As the develops, it eventually squeezes
the urethra, which surrounds the prostate. This is when signs
and symptoms begin to appear:

-Urgency in urination
-Difficulty in starting urination
-Dull, persistent ache in the lower pelvic area
-Painful urination, a very slow flow (almost like a dribble)
-Intermittent urine flow, and a sensation that the bladder is
not empty
-Frequent urination, sometimes including blood
-Painful ejaculation
-Persistent pain in the bones, lower back, hip and thighs
-General ill health, loss of appetite, and decline in weight

If the cells from the cancerous prostrate break away, the
cancer will spread. Most commonly, prostate spreads to
the lymph nodes, bones in the hips or the lower back, lungs, and
sometimes even the brain. 

Risk factors:
The risk of prostate increases with age. As with almost
any other cancer, heredity also plays a key role. For reasons
unknown, African-American men seem to have a higher risk of
prostate cancer. A fat-rich diet and sedentary lifestyle also
contributes to the risk. Fat causes an increased production of
testosterone, which may in turn lead to the development of
cancer cells. High levels of testosterone mean higher chances of
developing prostate cancer. Therefore men who suffer from
hypogonadism, or have been undergoing long-term testosterone
treatments are at risk. A vasectomy may also result in prostate
cancer, though there is no conclusive proof of this. 

A routine screening test may reveal the beginnings of prostate
cancer. A DRE (Digital Rectal Examination), which involves
inserting a gloved finger into the rectum, helps the doctor to
examine the prostate. Any change in shape or size of the gland
may mean trouble. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
analyzes a blood sample for the levels of PSA. If a higher than
normal level is detected, a prostate infection or may be
suspected. A transrectal ultrasound helps to further evaluate
the prostate using sound waves. If initial tests produce
positive results, a prostate biopsy may be done to verify the
presence of cancer. If is confirmed, the next step is to
investigate the spread of the cancer. A bone scan, CT scan, and
Ultrasound scan may be used for this. 

The mode of treatment directly depends on how aggressive the
cancer is. For most men, a combination of treatments (surgery,
radiation paired with hormone therapy, chemotherapy) may prove
effective. 

The best way to reduce the risk from prostate is to eat
a diet rich in fiber and low in fat. Regular exercise also
helps.

About the Author: Gray Rollins is a featured writer for
ProstateCares. To learn more about prostate cancer, visit us at
http://www.prostatecares.com/ and
http://www.prostatecares.com/prostatecancer/

Source: http://www.isnare.com

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