The prostate gland is an organ exclusive to the male reproductive system located just below the bladder and surrounding the urethra. Its main function is to produce a protective fluid that aids sperm cells in reaching the egg cell. It also extends the lifespan of sperm cells and helps in keeping semen fluid. The muscles in the prostate gland are also responsible for male ejaculation.
There are four known main prostate disorders:
-Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlargement of the prostate. A healthy prostate is roughly the size of a walnut and an enlarged prostate gland interferes with normal urination as it constricts the urethra;
-Prostatitis or inflammation and infection of the prostate;
-Prostatodynia or chronic prostate disease, and;
-Prostate cancer.
They all have roughly the same symptoms and of the four, only prostate cancer is potentially life threatening. All men are at risk of developing this type of cancer. It is the most common cancer for men and statistics show that it affects one in six males, though only one in 36 males will die of it. It is a slow-growing cancer that often develops without exhibiting any symptoms. The danger lies in the cancer metastasizing-- when the cancer spreads beyond the prostate and travels to other parts of the body such the bones or lymph nodes. Then, a cure becomes impossible.
There are no known causes for prostate cancer. Instead, there are factors that influence and put some at a greater risk of developing the cancer. A few of these risks are:
Age: Age is the greatest risk factor for developing this cancer. As you grow older, your risk increases. Developing the cancer before the age of 40 is rare but the chance increases after the age of 50. In fact, roughly two-thirds of prostate cancer are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older.
Race/ethnicity: African-American men are at a higher risk (60% more likely) of developing prostate cancer compared to white American men, while Asian men who live in Asia have the lowest risk. Reasons behind these are not clear and it is recommended that African American start testing for prostate cancer at the age of 40.
Family history/genetics: Men who come from a family with a history of prostate cancer are at a greater risk of developing it, suggesting that it could be inherited or genetic. Men who have a father or a brother with the disease are twice more likely to have it, too and this risk increases further if the cancer was diagnosed before the family member reached the age of 55.
Geography: For reasons not clear, the risk of developing prostate cancer is higher for men living in North America and lower for those living in Asia.
Diet: Though further research is needed, studies have shown that men who have a diet rich in high-fat dairy and red meat are at a higher risk of prostate cancer.
If you have any questions about your prostate's health, please feel free to send us your questions via our site BensProstate.com. You can expect a customized reply within 48 hours.
