Dealing With Prostate CancerProstate cancer is the second cause of cancer death among American men, second only to lung cancer. Normally about the size of a walnut, the prostate is unique to the male species and serves to control not only urinary function, but also substances found in reproductive fluids as well. Prostate cancer is caused by malignant tumor growths that consist of prostate gland cells. Such a tumor may develop for years with no outward signs or symptoms felt by the victim, but it inevitably spreads into surrounding tissues. It's an unfortunate fact that by the time many men feel any symptoms, the cancer has already spread to other body systems. The best way to prevent such an occurrence from happening is to go for regular checkups. Most medical experts agree that men who attain the age of 40 should receive yearly screening for prostate cancer. While the examination isn't the most pleasant to endure, it is vital to continued health, the same as it is for women who must also endure yearly exams for the prevention from breast and reproductive organ cancers. Prostate cancer can be inherited, and in some cases, some races are more apt to suffer from prostate cancer than others, such as African or Asian males living in the United States, but other factors like diet and environment also play a role in the disease. In its early stages, signs or symptoms are rare, and sometimes only recognized after a blood test has detected it or a lump has been felt during a routine exam. As the condition worsens, men may experience difficulty in urination and result in an enlarged urinary bladder. As prostate cancer spreads, it affects other body systems as well, and may be felt first in pelvis and spine before it spreads to lungs and other organs. By the time the cancer reaches the liver, pain can be felt in the abdomen and the skin may take on a yellowish cast caused by jaundice. Screening tests can detect prostate cancer at early stages and serve to increase life expectancy through surgery and chemical treatments. These screening tests consist of a digital rectal exam and a blood test called prostate specific antigen. The PSA test is a simple matter of drawing blood and doctors also recommend that males be tested once a year after the age of 50 with this method as well as the rectal exam, though many doctors prefer men to start both at 40 years of age. Treatment for prostate cancer has undergone advanced developments in the last decade. A doctor will determine which stage of prostate cancer a patient is suffering before suggesting treatment, which can consist of radiation therapy or chemotherapy, in addition to the prospect of surgery to remove the entire prostate gland and even some surrounding tissues. When cancer is confined to the prostate, surgery is done in almost 40% of patients with an almost 90% cure rate. Men throughout the country must obtain yearly exams in order to stay one step ahead of prostate cancer, and wives and friends should encourage such visits. |
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