It is a type of cancer that originates in the tissues of the prostate, a gland below the bladder, in male reproductive system. Men of older age are usually affected by prostate cancer. Most of these cancers grow slowly but in some cases these can be aggressive and fatal. The cells of the cancer can spread to the neighboring body organs, especially lymph nodes and the bones. According to an estimate, in the year 2010, there were 217, 730 new cases observed in U.S that caused 32,050 deaths.
Symptoms
Prostate cancer shows no symptoms at an early stage. It is diagnosed when PSA is elevated during a medical checkup. Sometimes, the cancer causes the symptoms that are similar to prostatic hyperplasia. The signs are:
The specific causes of this cancer are not known. Risk factors are:
Prostate cancer is treated through:
Symptoms
Prostate cancer shows no symptoms at an early stage. It is diagnosed when PSA is elevated during a medical checkup. Sometimes, the cancer causes the symptoms that are similar to prostatic hyperplasia. The signs are:
- Frequent urination
- Hematuria ( blood in urine)
- Nocturia (excessive urination at night)
- Dysuria (a painful urination)
- Difficulty in starting and maintain urination
- Painful ejaculation
- Difficult erection
- Bone pain especially in vertebrae, ribs and pelvis.
- Compression of spinal cord
- Fecal and urinary incontinence
The specific causes of this cancer are not known. Risk factors are:
- Old age, over 50 years
- Family history: In men with family members affected by prostate cancer, there are double the chances of developing this serious disease.
- Hypertension(a high blood pressure)
- Genetic background
- Diet considerably low in vitamin B6, vitamin E, Vitamin D, selenium, lycopene and soy foods.
- Medications: Studies have revealed that prostate cancer is associated with medications, medical procedures and conditions. Statins (cholesterol reducing drugs can decrease the risk of cancer)
- Inflammation of infection of the prostate can trigger the disease
Prostate cancer is treated through:
- Surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Vaccination and
- Immunotherapy
- Medications
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