Men’s Guide To Prostate Cancer

mikebuss | 22/06/2016 | 0 Comments More

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among men in the UK. Yet when detected in its early stages, prostate cancer can be effectively treated and cured. If you have prostate cancer, are concerned about getting it, or if you’re looking out for the health of someone you love, this guide can help.

PROSTATE CANCER RISK FACTORS

AGE: The greatest risk for prostate cancer is age. More than 75% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over 65yrs.

FAMILY HISTORY: Men whose relatives have prostate cancer are considered to be high risk. Having a father or brother with the disease doubles your risk for prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Therefore, testing for prostate cancer should start at the age of 40 in these men.

RACE: Men with a family originating from Africa have the highest incidence of prostate cancer. They are 30-50% more likely to get prostate cancer than any other race. However, Japanese and African males living in their native countries have a low incidence to that of in Europe and the US.

Experts have theorised that this suggests an environmental connection, possibly related to high-fat diets, less exposure to the sun, exposure to heavy metals such as cadium, infectious agents or smoking.

DIET: Research also suggests high dietary fat may be a contributing factor. The disease is much more common in countries where meat and dairy products are dietary staples, compared to countries where the basic diet consists of rice, soybean products and vegetables.

OTHER POSSIBLE RISK FACTORS

VASECTOMY: Studies have shown mixed results on whether a vasectomy surgery that makes men infertile contributes to their risk of prostate cancer. Most research has not found an increased risk among men who have the operation. But studies that do indicate a link found that risk is highest for men who are younger than 35yrs when they have the procedure done.

MALE HORMONES: High levels of male hormones called androgens may increase the risk of prostate cancer for some men, according to the American Cancer Society. Research is currently underway to determine whether medicines that lower androgen levels can lower the risk of prostate cancer.

SEDENTARY LIFESTYLE: You may be able to reduce your risk for prostate cancer by getting regular exercise and maintaining your optimal weight.

PREVENTING PROSTATE CANCER

DIET: The American Cancer Society recommends limiting high-fat foods from animal sources, eat 5 portions of fruit and veg each day and include such foods as bread, cereals, rice, pasta and beans.

Substances such as antioxidants help prevent damage to DNA and as a result may lower the risk of prostate cancer. They are found in foods like tomatoes, grapefruits and watermelons.

SCREENING GUIDELINES

Not all medical institutions and advocacy groups agree on when men should be routinely tested or screened for prostate cancer. But as is the case with most types of cancer, early detection often means more treatment options are available and less extensive treatment is necessary.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Annual digital rectal exams and PSA testing for all men beginning at the age of 50yrs.
Annual digital rectal exams and PSA testing for all men at the age of 40yrs for males with African family origins and those with family history of prostate cancer.

SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATE DISEASE:

There are three different types of prostate disease; benign prostatic hyperplasia, protatitis and prostate cancer. Although these diseases have different causes, they have similar symptoms. Because of this it is important to be checked for prostate cancer as part of a yearly physical examination, and to see a urologist (a doctor who specialises is diseases of urinary tract and male reproductive system) if you experience symptoms of any of the following diseases.

BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA

Commonly called BHP, is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that effects approximately half of all men before the age of 50yrs and 80% of men over the age of 60yrs.

The Symptoms:

Difficulty urinating
An urge to urinate when bladder is empty
Frequent urination, especially at night
A weak or intermittent stream of urine and a sense of incomplete emptying when urinating

PROSTATIS

This is an inflammation of the prostate that can be caused by bacterial infection. This condition can affect men of all ages and occurs in any sized prostate.

The Symptoms: