Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a standout amongst the most widely recognized cancers influencing elder men and a noteworthy reason for death of elderly men, assessed by a few specialists to be around 3%. Prostate cancer is the development and rapid growth of abnormal cells in the prostate gland. The causes of this disease are still not clearly known and there is currently no clear prevention strategy in place. Understanding prostate cancer is not completely possible, but there are still preventative measures and tips you can use to increase your health.
The chance of developing prostate cancer is significantly higher in men who have a close relative with prostate cancer and those risks are heightened if the relative was diagnosed before the age of 60. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, talk to your doctor.
What Are The Symptoms?
In its early stages, prostate cancer may not show any symptoms. Symptoms of early prostate cancer can include:
– Difficulty passing urine
– a slow, interrupted flow of urine
– Frequent passing of urine, including at night
– Incontinence.
Symptoms Linked With Advanced Prostate Cancer Include:
– Blood in urine
– Pain during urination
– Lower back or pelvic pain.
These symptoms are also found in men who may have benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is a common, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. See your doctor If you experience these symptoms.
How Is Prostate Cancer Detected?
Unfortunately, there isn’t any magical test to detect prostate cancer. Your doctor may do a rectal exam to feel your prostate, this is called a digital rectal examination and it involves your doctor inserting a gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland. Some abnormality may be felt, but it is not possible to feel the entire prostate or a small cancer. A tumor that is out of reach of the finger may be missed.
The PSA test measures the level of PSA in your blood. It doesn’t exactly test for cancer but virtually all PSA is formed by the prostate gland so PSA above the typical range may indicate the possibility of prostate cancer. However, two thirds of cases of elevated PSA are due to noncancerous conditions such as prostatitis and BPH. If either of these tests suggest an abnormality, other tests are necessary to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer, usually a trans-rectal ultrasound and biopsy.
Should I Have a PSA Test?
Treatment may not be necessary and could affect your lifestyle but it could also save your life so it’s important to way up the benefits and risks before making your decision.Make your own decision about whether to be tested after a discussion with your doctor. Ensure you get good quality information to make an informed decision.
Pain Management – Understanding Prostate Cancer
In many cases, pain is manageable. No one should have to suffer, especially terminally ill cancer patients. Many of the major pain killers like morphine are controlled by the federal government, and the DEA has been very vigorous in accusing doctor´s for suspected “over prescription”. This creates a problem because patients state that the pain is too great in lower quantities.
AIDS and cancer patients have long testified the positive affect of marijuana to reduce agony and improve appetite, which is often a common after effect of chemotherapy. California and Arizona have passed laws allowing doctors to prescribe marijuana for certain illnesses. Even the New England Journal of Medicine has favored doctors who prescribe marijuana. However, the federal government, not really caring about people´s pain, has threatened to charge any doctor prescribing it with a felony.
Lastly, there are a number of ways to deal with pain. If your pain management isn’t effective with your current doctor, find one who will help. No one deserves to have to live in pain.
Yearly Check-Ups Can Save Your Life!
The survival rate for prostate cancer is generally high, especially when detected early. According to the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for localized and regional prostate cancer is nearly 100%.
For distant-stage prostate cancer, where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the 5-year survival rate drops to about 32%. Overall, most men diagnosed with prostate cancer can expect favorable outcomes, particularly with advances in treatment options and early detection through regular screenings like PSA tests. Monitoring prostate health is key to improving survival rates and quality of life.
Understanding Prostate Cancer And The Importance Of Health
Understanding prostate cancer is crucial for early detection and effective treatment. While the causes remain unclear, regular check-ups, particularly for those with a family history, can help identify the disease in its early stages when treatment outcomes are more favorable.
Symptoms may not always be evident, so discussing screening options like PSA tests with your doctor is essential. Pain management and lifestyle considerations are important for those affected, ensuring quality care and support. By staying informed and proactive, you can significantly improve your chances of detecting prostate cancer early and enhancing your overall health.
Here Are 10 FAQs For Understanding Prostate Cancer
- What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate gland in men. - What are the common symptoms of prostate cancer?
Symptoms include difficulty urinating, blood in urine, and pelvic discomfort. - Who is at risk for prostate cancer?
Men over 50, those with a family history, and African-American men are at higher risk. - How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
Prostate cancer is diagnosed through a PSA blood test, digital rectal exam (DRE), and biopsy. - What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?
Treatments include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and active surveillance. - Can prostate cancer be prevented?
While there’s no sure way to prevent it, a healthy diet and regular screenings may reduce risk. - What is the PSA test?
The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test measures levels of PSA in the blood to detect prostate issues. - Is prostate cancer curable?
If detected early, prostate cancer is often treatable and curable. - What are the stages of prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer stages range from localized (Stage I) to advanced metastatic cancer (Stage IV). - How does prostate cancer affect quality of life?
Side effects of treatment, like urinary issues and sexual dysfunction, can impact quality of life, but support is available.