Prostate Care: Avoiding Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia And Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a male reproductive gland that is located just below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body. The prostate secretes a fluid that makes up about 50 to 75% of the semen volume. It is common for this gland to grow and become enlarged, and this is a natural physiological process that comes with age.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as an enlarged prostate, is a condition in which the prostate gland becomes bigger. As its name suggests, the process is “benign”, which means the cells do not have the propensity to cause cancer, or even be a precursor for cancer.

One third of men over 50 years of age are affected by benign prostatic hyperplasia. About 14 million men in the United States have symptoms of BPH and that figure doubles worldwide. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is said to be more severe in African-American men.

Symptoms of BPH

The most common symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia are:

- Urinary frequency (needing to void one's bladder more often)

- Urinary urgency (a feeling of needing to urinate urgently, as also seen in people with bladder infections)

- Increased night time urination

- Straining to void

- A weak stream

- Urinary retention

- Pain with urination

If you notice these symptoms, it is advisable to see a doctor. The earlier benign prostatic hyperplasia is treated, the better the quality of your life. The doctors are going to do a rectal exam and feel if the prostate is enlarged. While many men dread this exam, it is fast and painless. A blood test will also be done, to indicate your blood level of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) which is elevated in men with enlarged prostate or any other prostate disorders. An ultrasound examination of the prostate, testes and kidney will also be carried out.

Some lifestyle alterations that can be made to reduce the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia include:

- Moderate or no consumption of alcohol

- Decrease fluid intake before bed and spread out your fluid intake throughout the day.

- Avoid caffeinated products.

- Avoid medications that can make the symptoms of BPH worse.

- Exercise regularly.

Here are some facts about BPH:

- The risk of developing BPH increase with age.

- It is very common and it has been said that all men will have an enlarged prostate eventually.

See Also: The Eventuality of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

There is no known risk factor associated with BPH. However, medical research and other hypotheses suggest that with age, a man’s prostate becomes more sensitive to estrogen influence, especially in the central zone. Estrogen causes enlargement of the cells in the central zone, leading to compression of the urethra (which explains why the patient presents with urinary symptoms).

Patients with mild symptoms are usually managed with watchful waiting and follow up visits with the doctor.

Prostate Cancer: Risks And Symptoms

Prostate cancer is the second most common cause of cancer deaths in men in the United States. This particular type of cancer is very rare before the age of 50. According to the American Cancer Society, “prostate cancer accounts for about 10 percent of cancer-related deaths in men between the ages of 60 and 79”. All men are at risk for this cancer. However, prostate cancer is more common in African-American men compared to other races. It progresses slowly and may not cause symptoms until it is in the late stage. If detected early, it can be treated and the chances of survival are very good.

Other risk factors include:

- Age – This is the biggest risk factor for prostate cancer. The risk increases after the age of 50 in white men with no family history and age 40 in black men with family history of prostate cancer.

- Family history – Having relatives with a history of prostate cancer increases your risk of getting this cancer. If the relationship is closer, like a brother or father, the risk doubles.

- Race – Prostate cancer is more common in African-American males and it progresses quickly. Prostate cancer is, however, not as common in African males living in Africa.

- Diet – Research has shown that eating foods high in fat and red meat increases your risk of having prostate cancer.

- Lifestyle – Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption increase your risk for prostate cancer.

Symptoms of prostate cancer

The following symptoms occur at the early stage of prostate cancer:

- Urinary frequency

- Pain on urination

- Blood in urine or semen

- Weak stream

- Increased nighttime urination

As the cancer progresses and spreads to other organs, the symptoms may be more general. They include:

- Pain and stiffness in the back and pelvis (due to metastasis to the bones)

- Weight loss, nausea, loss of appetite.

- Weakness

- Swelling in your legs, difficulty walking.

If you notice any of the symptoms above, you should see a doctor for further testing.

Prostate cancer can spread in three ways:

- Growing into surrounding/neighboring tissues

- Spreading through lymph vessels and nodes

- Spreading through the blood

The stage of the cancer can be known by doing the following tests:

- Digital rectal exam

- Prostate specific antigen

- Transrectal ultrasound

- MRI of the prostate

- CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis

Treatments for prostate cancer 

Treatments vary depending on the stage of the cancer, your age at diagnosis, and other lifestyle factors. The treatment options include:

- Watchful waiting

- Surgery

- Radiation therapy

Chemotherapy does not play a major role in treating prostate cancer, it is usually used in patients with advanced prostate cancer.

See Also: Prostate Cancer: Alternative Treatments

Preventing prostate cancer

Prostate cancer cannot be prevented — that is, there is no one thing that guarantees you will never develop it. However, you can lower your risk of developing this kind of cancer by taking steps to live a healthy life. Here are some of the recommendations from the American Cancer Society:

- Avoid food high in fat

- Avoid red meats

- Exercise regularly

- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables

- Eat food rich in antioxidants like tomatoes, beans, spinach, berries, watermelon, and oranges.

The prostate gland grows as you get older and this proliferation is not something that can be prevented. You can lower you risk of developing prostate cancer, however, and an enlarged prostate does not always have to be a risk factor for cancer, as there are multiple different causes. Diet and lifestyle changes play a major role in lowering your risk. Early detection is also very important as it can increase your chances of surviving. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, go see you doctor.