What is Prostate Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Prevention

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By AnishG

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is the kind of cancer that occurs in the prostate gland, located just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube connecting the bladder to the external orifice of the penis.

Less than 10% of prostate cancers have a hereditary component. The younger the men in whom the cancer is found, the more likely it is that it’s a hereditary disease in their family.


Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Symptoms such as back pain, erection problems, pain in the hip or knee and bleeding from the urethra are usually observed in patients of prostate cancer.

Most prostate cancers actually don't cause symptoms until they reach a considerable level.

Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

In men over 40 years, a digital rectal examination can be performed, and measurement of a blood protein (PSA) through a blood test shows if there is a prostate cancer without symptoms. Digital rectal examination and determination of PSA doesn’t explain, however, whether the individual has cancer; they only suggest the necessity of performing other tests.

Rectal examination identifies problems other than prostate cancer and is more sensitive in men with some kind of symptoms already. PSA tends to increase with advancing age. About 75-80% of men with increased PSA have prostate cancer.

About 20% of men with prostate cancer symptoms have a normal PSA. Depending on the region of prostate cancer, rectal examination may not identify correctly always. The best strategy is to perform the two examinations that are complementary.

Effective prevention of Prostate Cancer

Some doctors recommend performing the digital rectal examination and measurement of PSA for all men over 40 years. For those with a family history of prostate cancer (father or brother) before 60 years, experts recommend performing these scans from the age of 35.However, it should be noted that only your doctor can advise on the risks and benefits of conducting such examinations.There is no evidence that the holding of periodic digital rectal examination and measurement of PSA in men who have no symptoms reduces mortality from prostate cancer.

Maintain a healthy diet, don’t smoke, be physically active and visit the doctor regularly. These habits contribute majorly to improving the overall health and can help prevent this cancer.

(Thanks to Sunshine625 for age corrections)

Ayurvedic Treatment

Ayurstate for Prostate Care is considered one of the best treamtents for the disease. Ayurstate for Prostate care reviews also explain that this Ayurveda treatment can help patients improve the health of their prostate very effectively with no major side effects. The results, however, may be a little slow.

Comments

Sneha Sunny profile image

Sneha Sunny Level 4 Commenter 7 months ago

cancer is a disease which can occur at any age and to anybody... One of the most deadliest disease.. This was a nice hub.

Sunshine625 profile image

Sunshine625 Level 8 Commenter 7 months ago

The standard age for digital checks and PSA testing is now 40 years old. Not 50. For men with a family history they should get their baseline PSA at age 35. Prostate Cancer is highly genetic. If your father had/has it chances are the sons will also get it. The earlier it's discovered the better. Men are being diagnosed at earlier ages which is why the age standards have changed. This is not an "old mans" disease as once believed. There are no early symptoms. Symptoms begin once the cancer has spread. Thank you for the hub! It's very informative and it gets the word out to men to get checked! Voted UP!!!

justateacher profile image

justateacher Level 7 Commenter 7 months ago

My husband has had prostate cancer for several years now...he was in remission for awhile, but it has come back...great hub with great information

Sunshine625 profile image

Sunshine625 Level 8 Commenter 7 months ago

Same with my husband justateacher. Good luck!

AnishG profile image

AnishG Hub Author 7 months ago

Thanks a lot for the correction, sunshine625. I really appreciate it. I'll edit it just now. Also thanks for the additional information. It's great when others contribute. Btw, how is your husband now?

justateacher, good luck! I hope he gets fine soon.

Sunshine625 profile image

Sunshine625 Level 8 Commenter 7 months ago

He's still fighting. Refuses to give up. Thank you for asking:)

AnishG profile image

AnishG Hub Author 7 months ago

That's good to hear. I've heard of people who suffer from depression because of it, which is sad. I'm glad your hubby is being strong!

Best wishes.

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