Although rare in men under the age of 40, prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages. Located below the bladder, the prostate is a small walnut sized gland, responsible for the production of fluid for semen. Although diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer has improved in recent years, a diagnosis can still be a scary experience.
When detected in its early stages, there is a greater chance of successful treatment. There are usually no symptoms noticed in the early stages, resulting in a spread beyond the prostate itself. The PSA test or digital rectal exams are the usual methods in which prostate cancer is first detected. Should there be signs and symptoms, they may include difficulty in urination such as starting or stopping the stream, blood in the urine or semen, pelvic discomfort, and bone pain, as well as other complications. Risk factors include: being over 50, race-as black men have a higher risk of development, family history, obesity, and elevated testosterone levels. There are complications associated with prostate cancer, in regards to the disease and treatment. Other than the fear of death related to the cancer, there is also the great fear of being left incontinent or suffering from erectile dysfunction. A possible complication of prostate cancer is the spread of the cancer to nearby organs or lymphatic system. Pain is another complication, although in the early stages there is seldom any pain involved. In the case of spreading, pain may become severe in some cases, requiring narcotic pain relievers at times. Depression is common in prostate cancer diagnosis, as well as all cancer diagnosed patients. This can be mild to severe, often requiring medical treatment, counseling, or both.
There are several methods available in the treatment of prostate cancer. Surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy are among these methods. Treatment most often consists of up to two or more methods used in conjunction. Treatment varies with each individual, depending on factors such as the rate of growth, age of the patient, life expectancy, and the benefits versus side effects potential.
When detected in its early stages, there is a greater chance of successful treatment. There are usually no symptoms noticed in the early stages, resulting in a spread beyond the prostate itself. The PSA test or digital rectal exams are the usual methods in which prostate cancer is first detected. Should there be signs and symptoms, they may include difficulty in urination such as starting or stopping the stream, blood in the urine or semen, pelvic discomfort, and bone pain, as well as other complications. Risk factors include: being over 50, race-as black men have a higher risk of development, family history, obesity, and elevated testosterone levels. There are complications associated with prostate cancer, in regards to the disease and treatment. Other than the fear of death related to the cancer, there is also the great fear of being left incontinent or suffering from erectile dysfunction. A possible complication of prostate cancer is the spread of the cancer to nearby organs or lymphatic system. Pain is another complication, although in the early stages there is seldom any pain involved. In the case of spreading, pain may become severe in some cases, requiring narcotic pain relievers at times. Depression is common in prostate cancer diagnosis, as well as all cancer diagnosed patients. This can be mild to severe, often requiring medical treatment, counseling, or both.
There are several methods available in the treatment of prostate cancer. Surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy are among these methods. Treatment most often consists of up to two or more methods used in conjunction. Treatment varies with each individual, depending on factors such as the rate of growth, age of the patient, life expectancy, and the benefits versus side effects potential.
