PROSTATE CANCER
It's Wellness Wednesday!! How well have you been taking care of your health? Remember, Health is Wealth! sequel to last week's topic on testicular cancer, we will be talking about prostrate cancer today.
Although they seem alike, testicular and prostrate cancer are not the same. While Testicular cancer is a cancer that originates in one or both testicles or testes, prostrate cancer is is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate gland.
The prostate is a small walnut shaped gland in the pelvis of men. It is located next to the bladder and can be examined by getting a digital rectal exam. Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate gland.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. Usually prostate cancer grows slowly and is initially confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly.
There are often no symptoms during the early stages of prostate cancer, but screening can help detect changes that might indicate cancer. The more advanced stage may cause signs and symptoms such as: trouble urinating, decreased force in the stream of urine, blood in semen, discomfort in the pelvic area, bone pain, erectile dysfunction and so on.
Although nothing is solely responsible for the cause of prostrate cancer, there are factors that can increase the risk of having prostate cancer. They are;
- Age: The risk increases after the age of 50, but it is rare before the age of 45.
- Race or ethnicity: For reasons not yet determined, black men carry a greater risk of prostate cancer than do men of other races. In black men, prostate cancer is also more likely to be aggressive or advanced.
- Family history: If a male has a close relative with a history of prostate cancer, they have a higher chance of developing it themselves.
- Genetic factors: Inherited features, including changes to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, may increase the risk. Mutations in these genes increase the chance of breast cancer in females too.
- Obesity: obese men diagnosed with prostate cancer may be more likely to have advanced disease that's more difficult to treat.
Having noted the above risk factors of prostate cancer, one can reduce the risks by: choosing a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, Exercise most days of the week, Maintain a healthy weight, and Talk to your doctor about increased risk of prostate cancer. Men with a high risk of prostate cancer may consider medications or other treatments to reduce their risk.
Knowing the stages of prostate cancer can also help a person understand what to expect, and it will inform decisions about treatment. Here are the stages;
-Stage 0: Precancerous cells are present, but they only affect a small area and are slow growing.
-Localized (stage 1): Cancer is only present in the prostate gland. Effective treatment is possible at this stage.
-Regional (stages 2–3): Cancer has spread to nearby tissues.
-Distant (stage 4): Cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs or bones.
Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer and cancer death in males. In some men, identifying it early may prevent or delay spread and death from prostate cancer. If you are concerned about your risk of developing prostate cancer, please talk with your doctor or visit the hospital for screening.
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