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.