Prostate Cancer: Should men be worried?

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Prostate Cancer Meaning

Prostate cancer affects the prostate gland which is usually as big as a walnut and sits underneath the bladder. It forms an essential part of the male reproductive system. Because it is responsible for producing fluid that plays an essential role in nourishing and transporting sperms. Above all, it also regulates urination in men.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Here’s what statistics have to say about its prevalence.

American Cancer Society estimates that by the end of 2017. “Doctors will diagnose about 1 man in 7  with prostate cancer during his lifetime and about 1 man in 39 will die from prostate cancer.”

Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says “prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among men of all races”.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Like many other deadly diseases, prostate cancer develops with silent signs and symptoms. Some of the common ones (if they appear) include

• Frequent or sudden urges for urination
• Blood in urine or semen
• Painful and difficult urination
• Painful ejaculation
• Erection related issues
• Pain and stiffness in lower abdomen, thighs, and hips.

Risk factors of Prostate Cancer

While research is still going on to get to the root of the disease, there are certain preventable and nonpreventable risk factors sorted out! Here’s the list

Age
Prostate cancer is rare among younger men and the risk increases with the age. By the age of 85, the risk increases from 1 in 7 men to 1 in 5 men.

Genetics
While prostate cancer cannot be directly inherited from the father, certain genes are known to increase the risk of prostate cancer. Therefore, the chances of developing prostate cancer in a man with a family history of this disease are always higher than the other with no history.

Lifestyle
While not much is known but studies are being directed to find a relation between environment, lifestyle, and diet with prostate cancer. Interestingly, some researchers have been successful in doing so. However, sufficient scientific evidence is yet to approve these statements.

Diagnosis and treatment options

There are a lot many screening tests and procedures developed for early detection of prostate cancer. The most common ones include digital rectal examination (DRE) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. So, if the doctors have detected the disease, there’s a wide range of treatment options. These options will ensure that they eliminate cancerous cells or at least cease their growth. From local treatments to prostrate surgeries and watchful waiting to radiation therapies, the wide-ranging treatment strategies for prostate cancer give a ray of hope.

Although the statistics and the list of silent symptoms of the prostate cancer sound serious, it is believed that prostate cancer is treatable and certainly curable to a great extent, if diagnosed early by an oncologist or an onco surgeon. So, book your appointment today!