The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces fluid for semen, which transports sperm during the male orgasm. Normally, the prostate is quite small it is nearly the same size and shape as a walnut. It is located in front of the rectum, just below the bladder, and wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the tip of the penis. The prostate is made up of approximately 30% muscular tissue ; the rest is glandular tissue.
Prostate cancer is malignant tumour that begins growing in the prostate gland. It can spread from the prostate to nearby lymph nodes, bones, or other organs. This spread is called metastasis. A male hormone called testosterone can stimulate the growth of hormone-dependent prostate cancer cells.
While researchers still do not know exactly what causes prostate cancer, they have identified some risk factors.
Age. The risk of developing prostate cancer increases as you age. More than 70% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over age 65.
Family History. Men whose father and/or brother had prostate cancer are up to 11 times more likely to develop prostate cancer.
Ethnicity. The death rate for prostate cancer is nearly 2. 4 times higher in African-American men than in Caucasian men. (Because of this additional risk, earlier screening for prostate cancer is recommended for African-American men. )
Diet: Research suggests that prostate health may be affected by diet.
Obesity: Studies have shown that the death rate from prostate cancer increases in obese men.
Symptoms that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer, include the following
1) A need to urinate frequently, especially at night;
2) Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine;
3)Weak or interrupted flow of urine;
4)Painful or burning urination;
5)Difficulty in having an erection;
6)Painful ejaculation;
7)Blood in urine or semen; or
8)Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.
Because these symptoms can also indicate the presence of other diseases or disorders, men who experience any of these symptoms will undergo a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Determining whether you have prostate cancer generally involves a series of steps. Your physician will first ask you questions about your medical history and any symptoms you may be having. Next, your physician will most likely perform a digital rectal examination (DRE) by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the size and texture of your prostate. A prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, used in addition to DRE, increases the likelihood of cancer detection if present. A PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen, a substance produced by the prostate cells, in the blood. A high level of PSA in the blood can be a warning sign that prostate cancer may be present. Finally, the results of either or both tests (DRE and PSA) may suggest the need for a biopsy. Only a biopsy can definitively confirm the presence of prostate cancer.
In case you have possibility of prostate cancer then your doctor may refer you to a urologist, a doctor who specializes in disorders of the urinary system and the male reproductive system. In some cases, a patient may be referred to an oncologist, a specialist in the treatment of cancer, for additional consultation.
Even if you have a problem of prostate cancer you need not worry as following line of treatment is available for the same.
Active Surveillance
Prostatectomy ( Surgery)
Other surgical procedures
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy for advanced or recurrent prostate cancer
Hormone therapy
Chemotherapy
Other treatment options
To know in details about the above therapy ?s
As we don?t know the exact cause of prostate cancer, it is not possible to prevent most cases of the disease. But some cases might be prevented. One risk factor that can be changed is diet. You may be able to lower your risk of prostate cancer by eating less red meat and fat and eating more vegetables, fruits, and grains. Eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. These guidelines provide an overall healthful approach to eating that may help lower your risk for some other types of cancer, as well as other diseases. Tomatoes, pink grapefruit, and watermelon are rich in substances (lycopenes) that help prevent damage to DNA and may help lower prostate cancer risk.
Some studies suggest that taking vitamin E daily may lower the risk of prostate cancer. But others have found that vitamin E has no impact on cancer risk and might raise the risk for some kinds of heart disease. Selenium, a mineral, may also lower risk. A large study is going on now to see if vitamin E or selenium lowers prostate cancer risk.
On the other hand, vitamin A supplements may actually increase prostate cancer risk. It?s always a good idea to check with your doctor about taking vitamins or supplements.
A study of the drug finasteride found that men taking the drug were 25% less likely to get prostate cancer than men taking a placebo ( ?sugar pill?). But the men taking the drug who did get prostate cancer were more likely to have cancers that looked like they might grow and spread. Also, the men taking the drug were more likely to have side effects such as lower sex drive and trouble getting an erection. On the other hand, they had fewer urinary problems. At this time it?s not clear whether taking finasteride to lower the risk of prostate cancer is a good idea or not. The results of the study will become clearer over the next few years.
One might wonder as to what are the chances of survival after detection of prostate cancer, to relieve you here is a stastical record.
Overall, 99% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer survive at least five years. Further, 92% survive at least 10 years, and 61% survive at least 15 years.
Ninety percent of all prostate cancers are found while they are still within the prostate or only in nearby areas. The five-year relative survival rate for these men is nearly 100%.
For the men whose cancer has already spread to distant parts of the body when it is found, 34% will survive at least five years.
These numbers provide an overall picture, but keep in mind that every man\'s situation is unique and the statistics can\'t predict exactly what will happen in your case.
After your treatment is over, it is very important to keep all follow-up appointments. During these visits, your doctors will ask about symptoms, do physical exams, and order blood tests or imaging studies such as CT scans or x-rays. Follow-up is needed to check for cancer recurrence or spread, as well as possible side effects of certain treatments. This is the time for you to ask your health care team any questions you need answered and to discuss any concerns you might have.
Almost any cancer treatment can have side effects. Some may last for a few weeks to several months, but others can be permanent. Don?t hesitate to tell your cancer care team about any symptoms or side effects that bother you so they can help you manage them.
It is also important to keep medical insurance. Even though no one wants to think of their cancer coming back, it is always a possibility. If it happens, the last thing you want is to have to worry about paying for treatment.
Prostate cancer can recur many years after initial treatment, which is why it is important to keep regular doctor visits and report any new symptoms (such as bone pain or problems with urination). Should your prostate cancer come back, your treatment options will depend on where it is thought to be located and what types of treatment you've already had.
It is likely to be the most difficult time in your battle with cancer -- when you have tried everything medically within reason and it ?s just not working anymore. Although your doctor may offer you new treatment, you need to consider that at some point, continuing treatment is not likely to improve your health or change your prognosis or survival.
No matter what you decide to do, it is important that you be as comfortable as possible. Make sure you are asking for and getting treatment for any symptoms you might have, such as pain.
At some point, you may benefit from hospice care. Most of the time, this can be given at home. Your cancer may be causing symptoms or problems that need attention, and hospice focuses on your comfort.
Remember also that maintaining hope is important. Your hope for a cure may not be as bright, but there is still hope for good times with family and friends -- times that are filled with happiness and meaning. In a way, pausing at this time in your cancer treatment is an opportunity to refocus on the most important things in your life. This is the time to do some things you?ve always wanted to do and to stop doing the things you no longer want to do.
Prostate cancer is malignant tumour that begins growing in the prostate gland. It can spread from the prostate to nearby lymph nodes, bones, or other organs. This spread is called metastasis. A male hormone called testosterone can stimulate the growth of hormone-dependent prostate cancer cells.
While researchers still do not know exactly what causes prostate cancer, they have identified some risk factors.
Age. The risk of developing prostate cancer increases as you age. More than 70% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over age 65.
Family History. Men whose father and/or brother had prostate cancer are up to 11 times more likely to develop prostate cancer.
Ethnicity. The death rate for prostate cancer is nearly 2. 4 times higher in African-American men than in Caucasian men. (Because of this additional risk, earlier screening for prostate cancer is recommended for African-American men. )
Diet: Research suggests that prostate health may be affected by diet.
Obesity: Studies have shown that the death rate from prostate cancer increases in obese men.
Symptoms that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer, include the following
1) A need to urinate frequently, especially at night;
2) Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine;
3)Weak or interrupted flow of urine;
4)Painful or burning urination;
5)Difficulty in having an erection;
6)Painful ejaculation;
7)Blood in urine or semen; or
8)Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.
Because these symptoms can also indicate the presence of other diseases or disorders, men who experience any of these symptoms will undergo a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms.
Determining whether you have prostate cancer generally involves a series of steps. Your physician will first ask you questions about your medical history and any symptoms you may be having. Next, your physician will most likely perform a digital rectal examination (DRE) by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the size and texture of your prostate. A prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, used in addition to DRE, increases the likelihood of cancer detection if present. A PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen, a substance produced by the prostate cells, in the blood. A high level of PSA in the blood can be a warning sign that prostate cancer may be present. Finally, the results of either or both tests (DRE and PSA) may suggest the need for a biopsy. Only a biopsy can definitively confirm the presence of prostate cancer.
In case you have possibility of prostate cancer then your doctor may refer you to a urologist, a doctor who specializes in disorders of the urinary system and the male reproductive system. In some cases, a patient may be referred to an oncologist, a specialist in the treatment of cancer, for additional consultation.
Even if you have a problem of prostate cancer you need not worry as following line of treatment is available for the same.
Active Surveillance
Prostatectomy ( Surgery)
Other surgical procedures
Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy for advanced or recurrent prostate cancer
Hormone therapy
Chemotherapy
Other treatment options
To know in details about the above therapy ?s
As we don?t know the exact cause of prostate cancer, it is not possible to prevent most cases of the disease. But some cases might be prevented. One risk factor that can be changed is diet. You may be able to lower your risk of prostate cancer by eating less red meat and fat and eating more vegetables, fruits, and grains. Eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. These guidelines provide an overall healthful approach to eating that may help lower your risk for some other types of cancer, as well as other diseases. Tomatoes, pink grapefruit, and watermelon are rich in substances (lycopenes) that help prevent damage to DNA and may help lower prostate cancer risk.
Some studies suggest that taking vitamin E daily may lower the risk of prostate cancer. But others have found that vitamin E has no impact on cancer risk and might raise the risk for some kinds of heart disease. Selenium, a mineral, may also lower risk. A large study is going on now to see if vitamin E or selenium lowers prostate cancer risk.
On the other hand, vitamin A supplements may actually increase prostate cancer risk. It?s always a good idea to check with your doctor about taking vitamins or supplements.
A study of the drug finasteride found that men taking the drug were 25% less likely to get prostate cancer than men taking a placebo ( ?sugar pill?). But the men taking the drug who did get prostate cancer were more likely to have cancers that looked like they might grow and spread. Also, the men taking the drug were more likely to have side effects such as lower sex drive and trouble getting an erection. On the other hand, they had fewer urinary problems. At this time it?s not clear whether taking finasteride to lower the risk of prostate cancer is a good idea or not. The results of the study will become clearer over the next few years.
One might wonder as to what are the chances of survival after detection of prostate cancer, to relieve you here is a stastical record.
Overall, 99% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer survive at least five years. Further, 92% survive at least 10 years, and 61% survive at least 15 years.
Ninety percent of all prostate cancers are found while they are still within the prostate or only in nearby areas. The five-year relative survival rate for these men is nearly 100%.
For the men whose cancer has already spread to distant parts of the body when it is found, 34% will survive at least five years.
These numbers provide an overall picture, but keep in mind that every man\'s situation is unique and the statistics can\'t predict exactly what will happen in your case.
After your treatment is over, it is very important to keep all follow-up appointments. During these visits, your doctors will ask about symptoms, do physical exams, and order blood tests or imaging studies such as CT scans or x-rays. Follow-up is needed to check for cancer recurrence or spread, as well as possible side effects of certain treatments. This is the time for you to ask your health care team any questions you need answered and to discuss any concerns you might have.
Almost any cancer treatment can have side effects. Some may last for a few weeks to several months, but others can be permanent. Don?t hesitate to tell your cancer care team about any symptoms or side effects that bother you so they can help you manage them.
It is also important to keep medical insurance. Even though no one wants to think of their cancer coming back, it is always a possibility. If it happens, the last thing you want is to have to worry about paying for treatment.
Prostate cancer can recur many years after initial treatment, which is why it is important to keep regular doctor visits and report any new symptoms (such as bone pain or problems with urination). Should your prostate cancer come back, your treatment options will depend on where it is thought to be located and what types of treatment you've already had.
It is likely to be the most difficult time in your battle with cancer -- when you have tried everything medically within reason and it ?s just not working anymore. Although your doctor may offer you new treatment, you need to consider that at some point, continuing treatment is not likely to improve your health or change your prognosis or survival.
No matter what you decide to do, it is important that you be as comfortable as possible. Make sure you are asking for and getting treatment for any symptoms you might have, such as pain.
At some point, you may benefit from hospice care. Most of the time, this can be given at home. Your cancer may be causing symptoms or problems that need attention, and hospice focuses on your comfort.
Remember also that maintaining hope is important. Your hope for a cure may not be as bright, but there is still hope for good times with family and friends -- times that are filled with happiness and meaning. In a way, pausing at this time in your cancer treatment is an opportunity to refocus on the most important things in your life. This is the time to do some things you?ve always wanted to do and to stop doing the things you no longer want to do.
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