| The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped sex gland in | | | | even the brain. |
| men that produces the seminal fluid, which nourishes | | | | Risk factors: |
| and transports sperm. The growth of the cells in the | | | | The risk of prostate cancer increases with age. As |
| prostate gland is stimulated by the male sex | | | | with almost any other cancer, heredity also plays a |
| hormone called testosterone. Though its causes are | | | | key role. For reasons unknown, African-American |
| unknown, prostate cancer is a frightening prospect | | | | men seem to have a higher risk of prostate cancer. |
| for men. This cancer threatens not just their lives, | | | | A fat-rich diet and sedentary lifestyle also contributes |
| but also their sexuality. Possible consequences of | | | | to the risk. Fat causes an increased production of |
| treatment (even if the treatment has been | | | | testosterone, which may in turn lead to the |
| successful in saving a person's life) include erectile | | | | development of cancer cells. High levels of |
| dysfunction and bladder control problems. Prostate | | | | testosterone mean higher chances of developing |
| cancer progresses very slowly and the early stages | | | | prostate cancer. Therefore men who suffer from |
| show little or no symptoms. If detected early, | | | | hypogonadism, or have been undergoing long-term |
| effective treatment with minimum side effects is | | | | testosterone treatments are at risk. A vasectomy |
| possible. Once the cancer spreads (metastizes) | | | | may also result in prostate cancer, though there is no |
| treatment becomes more difficult. | | | | conclusive proof of this. |
| A man's vulnerability to prostate cancer increases | | | | A routine screening test may reveal the beginnings of |
| with age. Most often, prostate cancer is detected | | | | prostate cancer. A DRE (Digital Rectal Examination), |
| very late and people who lose their lives do not die | | | | which involves inserting a gloved finger into the |
| from prostate cancer, but die WITH prostate cancer. | | | | rectum, helps the doctor to examine the prostate. |
| As the cancer develops, it eventually squeezes the | | | | Any change in shape or size of the gland may mean |
| urethra, which surrounds the prostate. This is when | | | | trouble. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test |
| signs and symptoms begin to appear: | | | | analyzes a blood sample for the levels of PSA. If a |
| -Urgency in urination | | | | higher than normal level is detected, a prostate |
| -Difficulty in starting urination | | | | infection or cancer may be suspected. A transrectal |
| -Dull, persistent ache in the lower pelvic area | | | | ultrasound helps to further evaluate the prostate |
| -Painful urination, a very slow flow (almost like a | | | | using sound waves. If initial tests produce positive |
| dribble) | | | | results, a prostate biopsy may be done to verify the |
| -Intermittent urine flow, and a sensation that the | | | | presence of cancer. If cancer is confirmed, the next |
| bladder is not empty | | | | step is to investigate the spread of the cancer. A |
| -Frequent urination, sometimes including blood | | | | bone scan, CT scan, and Ultrasound scan may be |
| -Painful ejaculation | | | | used for this. |
| -Persistent pain in the bones, lower back, hip and | | | | The mode of treatment directly depends on how |
| thighs | | | | aggressive the cancer is. For most men, a |
| -General ill health, loss of appetite, and decline in | | | | combination of treatments (surgery, radiation paired |
| weight | | | | with hormone therapy, chemotherapy) may prove |
| If the cells from the cancerous prostrate break | | | | effective. |
| away, the cancer will spread. Most commonly, | | | | The best way to reduce the risk from prostate |
| prostate cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, bones | | | | cancer is to eat a diet rich in fiber and low in fat. |
| in the hips or the lower back, lungs, and sometimes | | | | Regular exercise also helps. |