Prostate Cancer Awareness

September is recognized as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month by cancer organizations around the world to bring maximum awareness about Prostate Cancer. Prostate Cancer is one of the most common cancer types among men, and the second leading cause of cancer death in men, after lung cancer.

As per data, 1 in 9 men will likely get diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in their lifetimes. Awareness months are imperative. It will educate men to identify the symptoms and encourage them to discuss with their doctors and save an untold number of lives.

Also Read: What is prostate cancer?

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate Cancer occurs when cells in the body start growing out of control. Many factors are responsible for this growth like DNA mutation, genetic disorders or lifestyle factors. This growth can occur in any part of our body and can even spread to other parts of the body. Prostate Cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland start to grow abnormally. The prostate gland is a small walnut-shaped gland. It produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. The prostate gland is located below thebladder and in front of the rectum.

Usually, Prostate Cancer grows slowly, and may not cause serious problems, but it can travel through blood or lymph nodes to other areas of the body such as the bone, and grow there, causing severe damage. While some types of Prostate Cancer grow very slowly and need only minimal treatment, some others can be aggressive and can spread quickly. Like any other cancer, early detection is the key to successful treatment in the case of Prostate Cancer.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

The signs ofProstate Cancerare not visible at the early stage. It is important to note that most of the symptoms ofProstate Cancerand an enlarged prostate gland can be similar. Therefore, it is recommended to consult a doctor if any of the following symptoms exist:

• Blood in the urine or semen.
• Frequent urinating tendency andPainduring urination.
• DullPainin the lower pelvic area.
• Erectile Dysfunction.
• Pain in bones or lower back area.
• Unexplained loss of weight and appetite.

Prostate Cancer Causes

The exact cause of Prostate Cancer is yet to be found. Research is being conducted extensively, but it has failed to come up with any conclusive evidence. However, there are several risk factors associated with Prostate Cancer.

Risk Factors

• AgeThe risk ofProstate Cancerincreases with your age. Autopsy studies have shown that 1 in 3 men over the age of 50 has cancer cells in their prostate. But eight out of ten autopsy cancers are too small and not harmful.
• Race:For reasons not yet scientifically found, African Americans carry a much higher risk ofProstate Cancer. They are 1.5 times more likely than the general population to developProstate Cancerand two times more likely to die due to it.
• Family History:You are 2 to 3 times more likely to getProstate Cancerif any member of your family has had it.
• Genes:If your family has a history of genes such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 that increase the chances of cancer or if you have a strong family history of breast cancer, your risk of havingProstate Canceris higher.
• Obesity:Obese men are more likely to be diagnosed with stage 3 or stage 4 prostate cancer, which will be more difficult to treat.
• Smoking:Research shows that heavy smokers are more at risk of gettingProstate Cancer. They are also at a higher risk of dying due toProstate Cancer.

Prostate Cancer Prevention

There is no definite way to prevent Prostate Cancer. Some risk factors such as race, and genetic mutations are not in our control. But some factors can reduce the risk of getting Prostate Cancer. Following these factors will also benefit you if you are diagnosed with cancer. These are:

• Choosing a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables.
• Choosing healthy food over supplements.
• Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly.
• Men with a high risk of Prostate Cancer can take 5- -alpha-reductase inhibitors after consulting with their doctors.

Prostate Cancer Treatment

Treatment for Prostate Cancer can be a complicated process since some cancers grow so slowly that treatment may not be necessary, while others can grow fast and become life-threatening. The treatment will depend on factors such as the stage and grade of your cancer, risk category, age, health and personal preferences concerning the treatment.

It is always advisable to get a second opinion before you start treatment. There are many options of treatments available, and therefore considering the immediate and long-term side effects of the procedure should be a priority.

Also Read: Risks factors in prostate cancer

Need for Prostate Cancer Awareness

Prostate cancer has a five-year survival rate of more than 99 per cent, which shows that it is mostly curable with early diagnosis. But this report is not to take Prostate Cancer lightly as ignoring cancer can lead to it metastasizing and spreading to different areas of the body. This situation can be dangerous. it is very important to recognize symptoms early and diagnose them properly before it is too late. Nearly 88 men die in the US daily due to Prostate Cancer. These numbers throw light on the necessity of public awareness of the disease, for which cancer organizations all around the world are observing September as Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

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