Recovering The SelfA Journal of Hope and Healing

Health

Reasons and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Posted on by in Health

by John Garyprostate_cancer_ awareness

Prostate Cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in males and has proven to develop in men based on age and genetics. Prostate cancer can affect men of different races and age groups and can be a serious health risk, resulting in death if left untreated. Unfortunately, there are not any early warning signs to alert men of the condition.

Despite this fact, there are symptoms that can lead men to see that they have an issue with the prostate gland. It is important to learn what to look for so that individuals can seek medical attention and take care of a prostate issue early on.

Symptoms that can signal Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the condition in which a tumor is located in the prostate gland. This tumor will cause the gland to swell and when the cancer has spread the following symptoms can occur:

  • Frequent urination, more frequent at night
  • Problems with starting or stopping urine flow
  • Interrupted urine stream
  • Urine leakage when coughing or laughing
  • Can no longer urine standing up
  • Urination or ejaculation causes burning or pain sensation
  • Blood found in semen or urine

These symptoms are the cause of the blockage due to the tumor. More advanced symptoms can include:

  • Pain/stiffness in lower back/ribs/upper thighs/pelvis
  • Fatigue/nausea/vomiting associated with loss of appetite or weight
  • Lower extremity swelling
  • Lower limb paralysis or weakness

Common Testing

If you suffer any symptoms, you will need to be evaluated during a visit to your primary care physician. There are two common testing options to determine if you have the disease. A digital rectal exam is one option in which the doctor will feel the prostate via the rectum. The doctor is feeling for nodules which are lumpy or hard areas in the rectum. The other testing method is to conduct a blood test. This test is used to detect if prostate-specific antigen is present. This substance is made by the prostate and this can suggest prostate cancer in the patient.

Causes of Prostate Cancer

With prostate cancer being a major concern for men, it is important to understand the causes. Most cases affect older men and usually those over the age of 65. Family history is very important and anyone with family history should be evaluated at this age. Diet is attributed to the risk of the disease and fat from red meat is most likely a culprit. Hormones are also a factor. When men eat fats this can raise the amount of testosterone and this will speed up the growth of the cancer.

Daily activities also seem to be a factor. If you do not exercise, you are more likely to develop prostate cancer. Positions of employment have also been linked to the disease including welding, working with rubber, manufacturers of batteries and exposure to metal cadmium.

Helpful Hints

Studies have been conducted on prostate cancer to give individuals the information needed to avoid or be on the lookout for the disease. It is important to note that studies have also shown that certain factors can decrease the risk of developing prostate cancer. Certain drugs can help including aspirin, drugs for lowering cholesterol and drugs that lower triglycerides. Men can also add certain foods to their diet to try and avoid the disease. This can include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and tomato sauce.

It is most important for males to listen to the body and stay aware. By understanding the symptoms and watching for physical differences in the body, men can work to avoid the disease of prostate cancer or detect the disease for life-saving treatment. Stay proactive to ensure a healthy and long life.

 

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