Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a disease that develops in the male reproductive system; specifically in the gland called the prostate. How does prostate cancer develop? Prostate cancer occurs when the cells of the gland mutate and begin to multiply out of control. They can spread to other parts of the body including the lymph nodes and the bones. Most sufferers of prostate cancer have difficulty when they urinate, develop erectile dysfunction among other symptoms. One of the major side effects of the disease is a discomfort in the area or severe pain in the groin.

Prostate cancer is most common amongst men in the United States and is least common in South and East Asia. The disease occurs most frequently in men over the age of 50. It is the second leading cancer killer among United States men aside from lung cancer. Two factors that cause prostate cancer are genetics and a person's diet. The most common way to discover prostate cancer is by a screening and not usually by physical detection. Just like lung cancer, prostate cancer is confirmed with a biopsy and then examining that biopsy with a microscope. CT scans and bone scans are used to see if the cancer has spread to any other areas of the body.

Some treatments for prostate cancer are surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, proton therapy, and hormonal therapy.

What is the prostate?
The prostate is a gland that makes and stores seminal fluid. It is located in the pelvis area under the urinary bladder. When prostate cancer develops men suffer from urination and ejaculation problems. It is difficult to pinpoint prostate cancer in the early stages because there are practically no symptoms. Most cases are discovered via tests during a routine checkup. If prostate cancer does cause symptoms, which is rare, they are frequent urination, increased urination at night, difficulty maintaining a steady stream of urine, blood in the urine and painful urination.

Some protective measures against prostate cancer are a healthy diet that includes a high volume of Vitamin D, vitamin E, lycopene and soy foods. Some studies suggest that drinking a large amount of Green Tea will also help prevent prostate cancer because of the polyphenol in its ingredients. The National Cancer Institute advises men not to take more than the suggested level of multivitamins in the span of a week because this could increase the risk of contracting the disease.

Doctors recommend that men over the age of 50 begin to get screened for prostate cancer at their yearly checkups. Most men who die when suffering from prostate cancer usually don't die from the cancer itself. The disease takes so long to progress that the man usually dies from other health related issues such as heart disease, pneumonia, or old age.

Prostate cancer can be treated with watchful waiting, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and cryosurgery. Determining which treatment method to use depends on which stage the cancer is in. Hormonal therapy and chemotherapy are usually used for treatment when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.