Prostate cancer develops in a man’s prostate, the walnut-sized gland just below the bladder that produces some of the fluid in semen. It’s the most common cancer in men after skin cancer. Prostate cancer often grows very slowly and may not cause significant harm. But some types are more aggressive and can spread quickly without treatment.
The prostate can grow larger as men age, sometimes pressing on the bladder or urethra and causing symptoms similar to prostate cancer. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It’s not cancer and can be treated if symptoms become bothersome. A third problem that can cause urinary symptoms is prostatitis. This inflammation or infection may also cause a fever and in many cases is treated with medicine.
Growing older is the greatest risk factor for prostate cancer, particularly after age 50. After 70, studies suggest that most men have some form of prostate cancer, though there may be no outward symptoms. Family history increases a man’s risk: having a father or brother with prostate cancer doubles the risk. African-Americans are at high risk and have the highest rate of prostate cancer in the world.
However, there are some risk factors that can be prevented. Diet seems to play a role in the development of prostate cancer, which is much more common in countries where meat and high-fat dairy are mainstays. The reason for this link is unclear. Dietary fat, particularly animal fat from red meat, may boost male hormone levels. And this may fuel the growth of cancerous prostate cells. A diet too low in fruits and vegetables may also play a role.
Your sexual habit does not predispose you getting prostate cancer. For instance, too much sex, a vasectomy(removal of the testes) and masturbation have no effect on a man’s risk for prostate diseases.
If you have an enlarged prostate, that does not mean you are at greater risk of developing prostate cancer. Researchers are still studying whether alcohol use and sexually transmitted diseases play a role in the development of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer can also be detected early. Screening tests are available to find prostate cancer early, but government guidelines don’t call for routine testing in men at any age. The tests may find cancers that are so slow-growing that medical treatments would offer no benefit. And the treatments themselves can have serious side effects. Men are advised to talk with a doctor about screening tests, beginning at 50 for average-risk men who expect to live at least 10 more years.
The good news about prostate cancer is that it usually grows slowly. And 9 out of 10 cases are found in the early stages. Overall, the 5-year relative survival rate is 100 per cent for men with disease confined to the prostate or nearby tissues, and many men live much longer. When the disease has spread to distant areas, that figure drops to 31per cent. But these numbers are based on men diagnosed at least 5 years ago. The outlook may be better for men diagnosed and treated today.
There is a vaccine for prostate cancer but it is designed vaccine to treat, not prevent, prostate cancer by spurring your body’s immune system to attack prostate cancer cells. Immune cells are removed from your blood, activated to fight cancer, and infused back into your blood. Three cycles occur in one month. It’s used for advanced prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy. Mild side-effects can occur such as fatigue, nausea, and fever.
Experts say erectile dysfunction is a common side effect of prostate cancer treatments. Generally, erectile function improves within two years after surgery.
They note that a cancer-conscious diet may be the best choice for survivors who want to bolster their health and those hoping to lower their risk. That means eating five or more fruits and veggies a day. Taking whole grains instead of white flour or white rice. Limiting high-fat meat and processed meat, and alcohol to 1-2 drinks per day.
Foods high in folate may have some action against prostate cancer (spinach, orange juice, lentils). Studies found mixed results on lycopene, an antioxidant found in tomatoes and carrots.
Prostate cancer symptoms
Because of the proximity of the prostate gland in relation to the bladder and urethra, prostate cancer may be accompanied by a variety of urinary symptoms. Depending on the size and location, a tumor may press on and constrict the urethra, inhibiting the flow of urine. Some prostate cancer signs related to urination include:
•Burning or pain during urination
•Difficulty urinating, or trouble starting and stopping while urinating
•More frequent urges to urinate at night
•Loss of bladder control
•Decreased flow or velocity of urine stream
•Blood in urine (hematuria)
Other prostate cancer signs & symptoms
Prostate cancer may spread (metastasize) to nearby tissues or bones. If the cancer spreads to the spine, it may press on the spinal nerves. Other prostate cancer symptoms include:
•Blood in semen
•Difficulty getting an erection (erectile dysfunction)
•Painful ejaculation
•Swelling in legs or pelvic area
•Numbness or pain in the hips, legs or feet
Bone pain that doesn’t go away, or leads to fractures
