Basics of Prostate Cancer with Symptoms and Prevention

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The uncontrollable growth of abnormal cells inside the human body is known as cancer which hampers the normal functioning of the body. It is a basic mechanism that old cells get replaced by the new ones and when this ceases to happen, they grow at a drastic rate and form new but abnormal ones producing a mass of tissue known as a tumor.

A Common type of cancer

There are different types of cancers and the prostate cancer is one of them. Below the bladder, in front of the rectum, there is a gland of a shape of walnut called prostate. It is a gland which is partially responsible for fluid production in semen and has a main role in controlling the flow of urine in men. The most common type of cancer, in men according to the survey is of the prostate gland, which can be cured if detected at an early stage.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

In order to detect a prostate cancer in early stages, one needs to observe the symptoms like having difficulty to urinate, feeling pain in urination and blood in urine. These are the symptoms which are there at the earliest stage of prostate cancer. There are chances that it spreads to other tissues and reaches spinal cord squeezing the spinal cord and consequently stopping the passage of urine and faeces.

Prostate Cancer Causes

The actual cause of prostate cancer is not known but it is confirmed that the rapid growth of abnormal cells in the said area are responsible for this cancer. Slowly, with the passage of time, these cells replace the normal cells and begin to harm nearby tissues. There are various risks which increase the chance of getting prostate cancer, like age. When you age, the risks of getting prostate cancer become higher. Another risk factor is that you get it if it is already there in your family history or when it is inherited. Also, obese people are more likely to get prostate cancer as compared to a person of normal weight.

Complications

Coming towards the complications of this cancer and its chances of reaching other tissues, it can cause serious consequences and harm to nearby organs. For example, the organ located near the prostate gland like urinary bladder can be affected or it can pass through the blood stream and can damage the lymphatic system and from there it can affect bones. Apart from urine incontinence, prostate cancer and its treatment may cause erectile dysfunction due to exposure to the radiations during the treatment.

Prevention of Prostate Cancer

If you are at a risk of prostate cancer, you may reduce the chances of getting it by avoiding the risk by choosing a healthy diet plan including fruits, vegetables and fibers. With a healthy diet you cannot cure the already affected body from the disease but by choosing a healthy lifestyle, the risks of getting the disease can be minimized. Also, exercising on regular basis improves your health and helps you control your weight and also prevents depression by increasing the serotonin levels in your brain. It makes you feel good at the same time. There is some data available which shows that men who exercise more are at a lower risk of getting prostate cancer as compared to those who don’t exercise at all.

Key Facts and Statistics about Prostate Cancer:

As per the American Cancer Society, the number of new cases of prostate cancer in American men is about 164,690.
The number of deaths due to prostate cancer in America is about 29,430.
Around 1 in every 9 men can be diagnosed with this cancer during the lifetime.
Prostate cancer is mainly common among older men and among men who are African-American.
It is rare to be diagnosed with prostate cancer at an age before 40.
Prostate cancer is regarded as the second main reason for death due to cancer after lung cancer among men in America.