Cancer is one of the leading causes of death among men. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. About one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Although prostate cancer is a serious disease, most men do not die from it. Men’s Health Awareness month is a time to remind the men in your life to take preventative measures to combat causes of prostate cancer.
What is Prostate Cancer?
This cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland begin to grow uncontrollably. The prostate gland is only found in men and is responsible for making the fluid that is found in semen. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Almost-prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas; which means a malignant tumor formed from glandular structures in epithelial tissue. This type of cancer develops from the gland cells (this cell makes the prostate fluid that is added to semen). Some prostate cancers can develop and grow quickly, but most grow slowly over time. The slower developing prostate cancer is harder to detect. Most men with the slow-growing type of cancer did not have any effects, nor did their doctor know they had it. The aggressive and fast-growing type of cancer will show symptoms such as:
- Trouble urinating
- Decreased force in the stream of urine
- Blood in semen
- Discomfort in the pelvic area
- Bone pain
- Erectile dysfunction
Risk Factors
Researchers still cannot pinpoint what exactly causes prostate cancer. They have found some risk factors and are trying to conclude how these factors play a role in causing prostate cells to become cancer. Normal risk factors of prostate cancer include:
- Age: Prostate cancer is rare in men 40 and younger, but increases rapidly after the age of 50.
- Race/ethnicity
- Geography: The most common areas are North America, Northwestern Europe, Australia, and Caribbean islands.
- Family history
- Gene changes: Inherited gene changes can raise your chances of getting prostate cancer, but they account for a small percent of the over all cases.
Treatment
Once you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you and your care team can discuss treatment options. It’s important to remember to weigh the benefit, risks, and side effects of each treatment option available. The following treatment options are available according to the American Cancer Society:
- Watchful Waiting or Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer
- Surgery for Prostate Cancer
- Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer
- Cryotherapy for Prostate Cancer
- Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer
- Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer
- Vaccine Treatment for Prostate Cancer
- Preventing and Treating Prostate Cancer Spread to Bones
Go to the Doctor
It’s important to go to the doctor regularly—at least yearly for a check-up or physical. If there is something wrong with your body, it is important to see a doctor. Please do not ignore or put off any warning signs because it could be a wakeup call to something more serious.
The Colony ER Hospital is available for you 24/7, even on holidays, with concierge-level care. Our staff of highly trained doctors and nurses are ready to treat patients of all ages and help you through any medical emergency.
Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, The Colony ER Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.
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