Mens Issues – Prostate Cancer Cancer can occur in any part of the body, including the lungs, intestine, rectum, breast, bones, or prostate. Prostate cancer develops as a malignant tumour that starts in the prostate gland. The spread of the cancer from the prostate to the lymph nodes or other organs or bones through a process known as metastasis is always possible. This cancer, which can be fatal, is the second most prevalent one in men. Although with the progress in science, the rate of survival has increased significantly. Whilst there are certain risk factors for prostate cancer, the actual cause has not yet been discovered. It has been found that with the increase of age, the risk of prostate cancer tends to increase. The risk of prostate cancer striking increases if you have a family member with prostate cancer. Statistics show that African-American men have a higher risk of prostate cancer than Caucasian men. Obesity is another factor which predisposes men more to prostate cancer. No particular symptoms present for prostate cancer. However with the progression of prostate cancer lower back, upper thigh and pelvic pain seems to manifest more. When prostate cancer is in an advanced state further complications are evidenced such as increased frequency in urination, interrupted flow and difficulty in stopping or starting urinating, blood in the urine or semen as well as a feeling of burning. Men over the age of 50 are recommended to have a prostate-specific antigen 9PSA) blood test every year, as well as a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) to check if prostate cancer may be present. The DRE test involves the doctor inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to determine if the prostate is enlarged or if any lumps or abnormal texture present. The PSA blood test is able to determine the exact levels of PSA, which is produced by the prostate. The likelihood of having prostate cancer increases with PSA levels that are above 4ng/mL. However, sometimes men with low PSA levels may contract prostate cancer; it all depends on the normal PSA level of a man. If the level has always been rather elevated then there is no need for a lot of concern. This is one reason to have regular checks of the PSA levels. Diagnosis of prostate cancer is also possible to be made by a biopsy or transrectal untrasound. An accurate diagnosis of prostate cancer is made by a biopsy. The doctor suggests treatment for prostate cancer depending on its severity. It can be surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or watchful waiting. When the path of hormonal therapy is followed then the male hormone testosterone is stopped to restrain the advance of the cancer cells. It must be remembered that this is not a cure. It is simply a management tool. With the surgical treatment, the prostate gland and surrounding lymph glands are removed, depending on the severity of the condition. However, this may cause hot flashes, loss of interest in sex, impotence and other problems in the patient. Radiotherapy may be advised which involves x-rays passing through an external machine or through radioactive isotopes into the body. Chemotherapy may also be another recommendation and would involve either oral medication being dispensed to the patient or undergoing injections. A wait and see option is often recommended as prostate cancer most frequently strikes older men. This is best if the tumour is small, is expected to have a low growth rate or when medical treatment proves to be rather risky and may lead to death. The patient has to be monitored frequently with this treatment, but no treatment is administered. For more information on how to cope with prostate cancer, please visit the Prostate Advice Center at http://www.superior-health.info/Prostate/
