Prostate Cancer Symptoms Tips What is prostate cancer symptoms? We have tips about prostate cancer symptoms

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.

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Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men and the second leading cause of male death in North America. Increasing in incidence with age, it is primarily a disease of older men with most of the cases diagnosed in men older than 65 years of age. Each year it is estimated that approximately 189,000 men will receive a positive diagnosis and 30,000 men will die from its effects. Although it is a major health problem for older men the rate of death from it is decreasing because of advances in diagnosis and treatment.

Prostate cancer is curable when diagnosed early. When the cancer is confined to the prostate at diagnosis the five year survival rate is 100%. This percentage drops to 95% if the cancer has spread regionally. Over 75% of all cancer diagnosis are made when the cancer is at one of these stages. In fact, even though they showed no symptoms or complications in life, many men are found to have prostate cancer during autopsy.

The prostate gland consists primarily of glandular epithelial cells. The exact cause of prostate cancer is not known, but it is believed that androgens have a role in its development. Almost all primary cancers of the prostate are adenocarcinomas, and develop in the peripheral zones of the prostate gland. This location increases the risk of local spread to the prostatic capsule. Despite its proximity to the rectum, metastasis to the bowel is uncommon because a tough sheet of tissue, the Denonvilliers' fascia, acts as an effective physical barrier.

As the tumor enlarges, it may compress the urethra and thereby obstructs urinary flow. The tumor may metastasize and involve the seminal vesicles or bladder by direct extension. Metastasis by lymph and venous channels is also common.

Men with early-stage prostate cancer are often asymptomatic, meaning they have no symptoms. Pain from metastasis to the bones is often the first symptom noticed. Urinary symptoms depend on the size and location of the tumor and of the malignancy. The symptoms are often much like those associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia: urgency, frequency, hesitancy, dysuria, and nocturia. There may also be noticeable hematuria or blood in the ejaculate.

Death from this type of cancer usually occurs because of secondary metastasis to the skeletal system and in particular the vertebrae. Compression fractures of the spine are common, resulting in the possible loss of mobility and bowel and bladder function. Tumors may eventually involve bone marrow, resulting in severe anemias and impaired immune function.

In addition to age, race is a significant risk factor for the development of cancer of the prostate. African American males have the highest incidence in the United States and the world, with rates more than twice as high as white males. They are also more likely to be diagnosed later in life and to die of it effects, with a mortality rate more than double that of other racial and ethnic groups. Asians and Native Americans have the lowest incidence of prostate cancer.

Other risk factors include:

• Genetic and hereditary factors, with risk increased in men who have a family history of the disease.

• Having a vasectomy which is believed to increase the levels of circulating free testosterone.

• Dietary factors including a diet high in fat and red meats, low in vitamin A, vitamin D, lycopene, and selenium.

• Low exposure to sunlight.

Men in their mid forties, regardless of their risk, should have regular prostate exams with their doctor. This is the first line of defense in preventing and treating prostate cancer, which is very treatable when caught early.

To learn more about Prostate Health please visit the website Prostate Health Answers by clicking here.

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