Prostate cancer is a very serious problem for many men in the world today. The prostate gland produces seminal fluid, which is vital for the transport and the health of sperm. In some cases, the cancer will stay within the prostate and may not spread and cause illness in the rest of the body. It may only need minimal treatment. However, that is not always the way it works out. In some cases, the cancer will actually become very aggressive in the body and it can spread quickly.]
It is essential to work with the best cancer experts when facing this or any type of cancer. When detected early, there is a greater chance of treatment, so it becomes essential for men to have annual prostate exams to ensure their health.
What Are The Symptoms?
In the early stages of the cancer, there may not be any outward symptoms that anything at all is wrong. As it progresses and worsens, it could cause a host of different issues in the body. Some men find that they have trouble urinating, or that they have decreased force in the urine stream. They may also notice blood in the urine or semen. They may also notice pain in their lower back and hips or the pelvic area. They could also notice bone pain, and they may be suffering from erectile dysfunction.
Those who have any of these signs or symptoms, or who have even the smallest inkling that something could be wrong, should make sure to contact a doctor right away. Set up an appointment for a prostate exam. While it might not be a pleasant experience, it is far better than waiting for the cancer to cause more harm to the body. You can speak with your doctor about the exam, what it will entail, as well as what the best course of action will be for you.
Some risk factors may increase your risk of prostate cancer. Some of the most common factors include having a family history of cancer, aging, and being obese. Black men tend to be at a greater risk of developing prostate cancer, as well.
Epidemiology Of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer for men in the United Kingdom, coming in at 25% of all new cancer cases for men. Each year, there are around 40,000 new cases in the UK. While the majority of men who suffer from the disease are elderly, the numbers are showing that there is a higher incidence starting in those who are younger today. Between 1975 and 1984, 46% of the prostate cancer cases were for men over 75. This number dropped to 36% in recent years, likely because the creation and use of methods of finding and starting to treat the cancer at earlier ages.
Treatment
Some men may never need to have treatment for their prostate cancer, and the doctor may only want to watch the cancer for signs of growth and further damage, so long as it is not causing symptoms. For others, catching it early expands the options they have available for treatment. Those who find that they do need to have treatment will find several methods of treatment out there, including external and internal radiation therapy.
Doctors may also want to consider hormone therapy. Some medications will stop your body from producing testosterone, or that stop the testosterone from reaching the cancer cells. Another option is surgery to remove the testicles or to remove the entire prostate.
While this is still a deadly disease, a number of treatment options are available today. Talk with your doctor about what is right for you.
