An Overview of Prostrate Cancer

An Overview of Prostrate Cancer

Cancer in any form is a terrible diagnosis for any patient. Prostate cancer is of the most prevalent types of cancer in older men. Prostate cancer develops in the prostate, which is a small walnut-shaped gland responsible for producing seminal fluid for transporting sperm. Thankfully, most prostate cancers progress slowly, requiring no treatment, as long as they don’t spread outside of the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm.

Early diagnosis for prostate cancer that’s confined to the prostate gland is the best scenario for patients. The following information provides more detail about prostate cancer statistics, causes, diagnosis, and treatments, etc.:

1. Prostate cancer statistics
Cancer.org explains that at least 1 in 9 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime. Most men who develop prostate cancer are at least 65 years of age or older, with the average age of diagnosis at the age of 66. African American males have a higher risk of developing this disease compared to any other race. At least 1 in 41 men who have been diagnosed with this disease will die from it. However, most men will survive prostate cancer after they have been diagnosed. Ultimately, prostrate is a men’s cancer. Women have a similar gland but it is called the Skene gland. While this gland acts similar to the prostate, it is not the same.

2. Basic information about prostate cancer
A male prostate is designed to produce semen for the transportation of sperm. When cancer occurs in this part of our body, it normally starts in the prostate gland and remains confined there. However, if left untreated, the cancer may quickly spread from the prostrate into other parts of the body. Screening to diagnose prostate cancer typically involved a blood test to detect the cancer.

3. Prostate cancer signs and symptoms
Prostate cancer might not have a specific cause. Still, doctors do point to several prostate cancer risk factors. For instance, older men are more at risk than younger males. African American men have a higher risk of contracting this disease than any other race. Men who have a family history of prostate cancer, or a direct female relative with a history of breast cancer may have a greater risk of developing this disease. Many prostate cancer risk factors can be reduced with the following lifestyle changes:

  • Weight loss: Obese men who develop prostate cancer will typically have an advance form of this disease.
  • Smoking: Prostate cancer is also higher in men who smoke
  • Diet and physical activity: Higher rates of this cancer are found in males who don’t eat a healthy diet and who do not regularly exercise.

Prostate cancer treatment is also available for men who develop this disease. We also know that if men live a healthy lifestyle they will reduce their chances of developing cancer. Prostate cancer treatment is best addressed through prevention. Our best protection against this type of cancer is to live right and get regular screenings.