Symptoms of prostate cancer, causes, treatments and preventions

Prostate cancer is uncontrolled growth of cells around the outer region of the prostate, which gives rise to the development of a malignant tumor. The prostate is a small gland that is located under the bladder Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, after lung cancer. It strikes 1 in 6 American men. Every year it kills more than 30,000 American males. It is associated with aging and men are deemed more susceptible the older they are. While age, ethnicity and family history help determine who will get prostate cancer, other causes are poorly understood. Diabetes, cardiovascular conditions and obesity have been associated with prostate cancer but the evidence has not been consistent.

More than 65% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65. Catching prostate cancer early is the best way for a man to increase their chances of survival and that involves knowing the symptoms and seeing a doctor regularly. The good news is that prostate cancer is very curable. When prostate cancer is caught early a man has almost a 100% chance of survival.

Early signs of prostate cancer are difficult to detect. The earliest signs of prostate cancer are difficulty urinating, frequent urination, especially at night, decreased flow and force of urinary stream. Unfortunately, these early signs of prostate cancer can be caused by other problems, such as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Symptoms only set in once the tumor spreads. The growth of prostate cancer is relatively slow and may not be detected for many years.

The cancer may spread from the prostate to nearby lymph nodes, bones or other organs, leading to a condition called metastasis. As a result, some men experience back pain. Once the cancer spreads beyond the prostate it is difficult to cure.

The most common misconception about the risk of prostate cancer is that the presences of non-cancerous conditions of the prostate increase the risk of prostate cancer. Even high levels of sexual activity or frequent ejaculation have been rumored to increase prostate cancer risk. This is untrue.

There are two tests doctors perform to aid in early detection of prostate cancer: a rectal exam (feeling the prostate gland through the rectum) and PSA (protein-specific antigen). Neither of these tests is specific, either.

A change in diet can help with and to protect against prostate cancer. Cut down on animal fats, include plenty of fiber in the diet and consume lots of fruit and vegetables like soy products, rice, green and yellow vegetables, bran, whole grains, shiitake mushrooms, pulses, garlic, pumpkin seeds, tomatoes, nuts, seeds (flaxseed), cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli. Reduce alcohol and meat consumption and try to maintain a healthy weight.