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What is prostate cancer
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• Prostate cancer is a disease that develops when abnormal
cells from the prostate gland grow out of control.
• The prostate gland is a male sex gland. Located below the bladder, it is about
the size of a walnut. The urethra, a tube that transports urine, passes through
the prostate.
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Signs and symptoms of Prostate
Cancer |
Since prostate cancer usually has no symptoms, regular
check-ups are very important. Some men with prostate cancer may have:
• Frequent urination, especially at night.
• Difficulty urinating.
• Pain or a burning sensation when urinating.
• Difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine.
• Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or thighs.
• Pain during sex.
Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean
that you have prostate cancer. Many men have these symptoms because of a non-cancerous condition known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). With BPH, the prostate gland
may grow larger, block urine flow, and inhibit sexual functioning. Men should pay
careful attention to these symptoms, and discuss their questions and concerns with
their health care providers. Many men don’t seek the advice of their health care
professional until it’s too late for effective treatment. If you have any of these
symptoms, see your health care professional.
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What are the risk factors for
Prostate cancer? |
Risk factors for prostate cancer include:
• Age. More than 60% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men age 65 and over.
• Black, non-Hispanic men have the highest incidence rates compared to other racial/ethnic
groups.
• Family history of prostate cancer. If you have a close relative, such as a father
or brother, with prostate cancer,
your chances of developing prostate cancer increase.
• Hormones. High levels of the male hormone, testosterone, have been associated
with prostate cancer. Testosterone is important to the growth of the reproductive
organs and body and facial hair. Possible
Risk factors:
• Alcohol consumption.
• History of benign prostate disease.
• Smoking.
• Physical inactivity.
• Diet high in fat.
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How can I reduce my risk of developing
Prostate cancer? |
A great deal of research is being done to learn more about prostate cancer. While
all of the evidence is still not in, the advice below contributes to good health
and may prove to help prevent this cancer.
• If you drink alcohol, drink moderately.
• Don’t smoke! Some studies have linked rapid growth of prostate tumors with
smoking.
• Get at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity (for example, brisk
walking) 3 days a week.
• Eat 5 or more servings of fresh fruits
and vegetables each day, especially
tomatoes. Tomatoes contain a substance called lycopene, which may help prevent prostate
cancer. Cut back on high-fat foods.
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How is Prostate cancer diagnosed? |
Transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) is done by inserting a probe in the rectum, and
uses sound waves to visualize and evaluate any abnormalities. A biopsy of the prostate
(removing a piece of
abnormal tissue) is often performed during the procedure. It
is necessary to examine the prostate tissue under a microscope to confirm the presence
of cancer.
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How is Prostate cancer
treated?
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There
are many factors to consider in deciding on treatment options. These factors
include: life expectancy, general health, cancer stage, and possible complications
connected with the form of treatment. Ask your health professional to help you understand
the different options so that you can take an active role in developing the best
plan for you.
Treatment options include:
• Watchful Waiting - Men who choose this option have regular exams to make
sure the cancer is not spreading. Men with cancer that is confined to the prostate
and whose life expectancy is anticipated to be no greater than ten years following
diagnosis may wish to consider watchful waiting.
• Cancer Drugs/Hormone Therapy - Hormone therapy lowers the levels of testosterone
in the body. It may be used for advanced disease or as a preliminary treatment.
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Surgery - Radical prostatectomy is removal of the entire prostate gland
through surgery. This surgery is often chosen by men in their 50s and 60s with clinically
localized prostate cancer who are in generally good health with a life expectancy
of at least ten years. Side effects of the surgery can include impotence and urinary
incontinence.
• Radiation - External-beam radiation therapy is used to destroy cancer cells
in the body. Seed implant therapy, also known as brachytherapy, involves implanting
radioactive seeds in the prostate to destroy
cancer cells.
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Cryosurgery - This form of treatment kills cancer cells by freezing the prostate.
You should note that more research is needed in order to evaluate the effectiveness
of this treatment. |
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