What is Prostate Cancer and How to Avoid it?

WHAT IS PROSTATE CANCER

Prostate cancer refers to any cancerous growth that happens in the prostate gland. It begins when cells in the gland grow uncontrollably, just like any other cancer. However, only males possess the prostate gland, and it produces the seminal fluid which nourishes and transports the sperm.

The gland is located just below the urinary bladder in men and surrounds the top portion of the tube called the urethra, which carries urine and semen out of the body via the penis. Seminal glands /seminal vesicles are a pair of glands behind the prostate. In fact, seminal glands are sac-like pouches that produce secretions that are important for semen coagulation and sperm mobility.

TYPES OF PROSTATE CANCER

ADENOCARCINOMA:

Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of cancer.

ACINAR ADENOCARCINOMA:

Acinar Adenocarcinoma, the cancerous growth happens in the gland cells that line the prostate gland and makes the prostate fluid. In fact, almost all prostate cancers are Acinar Adenocarcinomas.

DUCTAL ADENOCARCINOMA:

Ductal Adenocarcinoma develops in the cells that line the tubes or ducts of the prostate gland. When compared to the Acinar type, ductal adenocarcinoma quickly grows and spreads more rapidly.

TRANSITIONAL CELL CARCINOMA OR UROTHELIAL CANCER:

This is a prostate cancer type. However, cancer may start in the cells that line the bladder or the urethra and spread gradually to the prostatea rare form of cancer.

SQUAMOUS CELL CANCER:

A rare form of prostate cancer. It begins in the flat cells that cover the prostate. These cancers tend to grow and spread rapidly, even more than the adenocarcinoma type of prostate cancer.

NEUROENDOCRINE TUMORS:

Neuroendocrine Tumors develop on the nerves and gland cells which make and releases hormones into the bloodstream.

SMALL CELL CARCINOMA:

Small Cell Carcinoma is a type of neuroendocrine carcinoma in the prostate gland. Here, cancer develops on the small round cells of the neuroendocrine systema very aggressive form of prostate cancer.

PROSTATE SARCOMA:

In Prostate Sarcoma, cancer grows outside the prostate gland. That is, in the soft tissues (in the nerves and muscles) of the prostate. The form of cancer in other words is soft-tissue prostate cancer.

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HOW TO AVOID PROSTATE CANCER

The best way to prevent cancer in the prostate, or for that matter, any cancer, is to make and follow healthy choices and lead a healthy lifestyle.

FOLLOW A HEALTHY DIET

Choose a low-fat diet: reducing fat intake is a big step to prevent the risk of prostate cancer. Avoid trans fats and saturated fats. Healthy alternatives that include omega-3 fatty acids from seeds, nuts, and fish can be included in the diet. Use low-fat dairy products.

Include more fruits and vegetables in the diet, such as leafy veggies. They are a good source of vitamins and essential nutrients. These can be consumed instead of processed oily snacks. Vegetables like tomatoes, cauliflower, broccoli are proven to reduce the risk of Prostate cancer. Consumption of Green tea and soy are also good.

Avoid intake of charred food items: frying or grilling meat at very high temperatures, and its consumption can increase cancer risk.

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT:

Maintaining a healthy weight can be an excellent way to keep many diseases at bay. Obese people are more prone to contracting prostate cancer. By reducing the intake of calories and doing regular exercise, a healthy weight can be maintained.

REGULAR EXERCISE:

Daily exercising reduces the risk of almost all diseases. It can help in maintaining adequate body weight and in boosting immunity. Regular exercise has many benefits which make our bodies and minds fit and active. A minimum of 30 minutes of daily routine or workout would be well and good.

AVOID HABITS LIKE DRINKING AND SMOKING:

Drinking and smoking can have very adverse effects on health. It can increase the risk of prostate cancer.

VITAMIN D:

Vitamin D plays a pivotal role in strengthening the immune system and its functions. It also protects muscles, and bones and helps in maintaining a healthy heart. Sun is the best and most readily available source of this vitamin. Wild salmon, cod liver oil, and dried shiitake mushrooms are rich in Vitamin D. Intake of Vitamin D supplements on a doctors prescription is also acceptable.

BEING SEXUALLY ACTIVE:

Studies and research show that men who stay sexually active are less prone to prostate cancer. A higher frequency of ejaculation helps in clearing body toxins and avoiding any chance of inflammation.

PREVENTIVE DRUGS:

Some drugs are proven to prevent the risk of cancer by 25%. For instance, men with BPH or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia are often treated with DHT (dihydrotestosterone) drugs like dutasteride or finasteride. These medications should be taken under supervision.

CONSULTING A DOCTOR:

If you are citing any signs or symptoms of prostate cancer, consult a doctor or specialist ASAP. The Sooner the diagnosis, the better the chances of curing the disease Contact Us

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Reference:

1. Cuzick J, Thorat MA, Andriole G, Brawley OW, Brown PH, Culig Z, Eeles RA, Ford LG, Hamdy FC, Holmberg L, Ilic D, Key TJ, La Vecchia C, Lilja H, Marberger M, Meyskens FL, Minasian LM, Parker C, Parnes HL, Perner S, Rittenhouse H, Schalken J, Schmid HP, Schmitz-Drger BJ, Schrder FH, Stenzl A, Tombal B, Wilt TJ, Wolk A. Prevention and early detection of prostate cancer. Lancet Oncol. 2014 Oct;15(11):e484-92. doi: 10.1016/S1470-2045(14)70211-6. PMID: 25281467; PMCID: PMC4203149.