Prostate cancer - the facts

Published: August 15, 2020

The prostate is a gland located in the male reproductive system, in between the bladder and the rectum. Prostate literally stands for “the guardian”, with its primary function being to help make and store seminal fluid in addition to producing an alkaline secretion that is ejaculated with semen. This secretion neutralizes the acidity of the vagina, allowing sperm to live longer.

Prostate cancer is when the cells of the prostate begin to grow uncontrollably. Like many other cancers, the early stages of prostate cancer are virtually undetectable. However, in its later development, some of the symptoms include:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Difficulty when urinating
• Urinating more often at night
• Pain/discomfort
• Problems during intercourse

While the precise causes of prostate cancer remain virtually unknown, some of the risk factors include:

• Genetics – immediate family members who have had the cancer increases your chance of getting it by 50 percent
• Medications – a link has been found between men consuming anti-inflammatory medications (such as Ibu Profen) and an increase in the instance of prostate cancer
• Obesity
• Low levels of testosterone
• Age – the risk of prostate cancer increases from the age of 50, with two thirds diagnosed in men at the age of 65 and older
• Race

The best prevention of prostate cancer is examination. Doctors suggest men starting at the age of 50 undergo annual rectal exams as most prostate tumors occur nearest the rectum, and may be detected this way. A blood test is also recommended.

Because prostate cancer is slow moving, if it is detected many opt to wait and see how it develops. If the doctor and patient reach a decision to proceed with direct treatment, this usually includes surgery to remove the prostate and surrounded lymph nodes, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, cryosurgery, and only in the rarest of cases chemotherapy.

Click here to find out more about prostate cancer.

Celebrities who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer include:

• Jeff Jarvis
• James Brown
• Charlton Heston
• Andrew Lloyd Weber
• Dennis Hopper
• Charlton Heston

Image source attribution: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b6/Penis_ca.svg

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Published August 15, 2020 by Carolin W. in Health Conditions
Tags: cancer, chemotherapy, Prostate, prostate cancer, surgery, therapy