Salutogena

Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate gland of males. The prostate is a small walnut shaped organ/gland that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. Prostate cancer usually grows slowly and initially remains confined to the prostate gland where it may not cause serious harm. While some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or treatment, other forms are aggressive, spread quickly and can result in serious disability and death. Prostate cancer that is detected early - when its still confined to the prostate gland - has a better chance of successful treatment.

Symtoms:

Prostate cancer may not cause signs or symptoms in its initial stages. Prostate cancer that is more advanced may cause the following signs and symptoms:

• Trouble urinating/voiding
• Decreased force in the stream of urine flow
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Blood in your semen
• Swelling in your legs
• Discomfort/pain in the pelvic area/region
• Bone pain

When to see a Doctor:

Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any signs and/or symptoms that worry you. Ask your doctor about the benefits and risks of regualr prostate cancer screening. Medical organizations differ on their recommendations for prostate cancer screening.

Causes:

It's not clear what causes prostate cancer; however, doctors know/understand that prostate cancer begins when some cells in the prostate gland become abnormal. Mutations in the abnormal cell's DNA cause the cells to grow and divide more rapidly than normal cells. The abnormal cells continue living when other cells would die. The accumulating abnormal cells form a tumour that can grow to invade nearby tissue. Some abnormal cells can 'break off' and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

Risk Factors that can increase your risk of Prostate Cancer include the following:

• OLDER AGE - The risk of prostate cancer increases with age. Prostate cancer is most common in men over 65 years
• BLACK ANCESTRY - Black men have a greater risk of prostate cancer than do men of other races.
• FAMILY HISTORY OF PROSTATE CANCER - If men in your family have had protate cancer, your risk may be increased.
• OBESITY - Obese men fiagnosed with prostate cancer are more likely to have advanced disease that's more difficult to treat.

Complications of Prostate Cancer and its Treament:

• CANCER THAT SPREADS - Prostate cancer can spread to nearby organs or travel through your bloodstream or lymphatic system to your bones or other organs. Prostate cancer that spreads to other areas of the body is more difficult to treat than cancer that is confined to the gland.
• INCONTINENCE - Both prostate cancer and its treatment can cause urinary incontinence. Treatment for incontinence depends on the type that have developed, its severity and the likelyhood it will improve over time. Treatment options may include medications, catheters and/or surgery.
• ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION - Erectile dysfunction can be a result of prostate cancer or its treatment. Various treatment modalities exist to help assist in achieving erection if ED does become a problem.

Preparing For Your Appointment:

If you have signs and/or symptoms that worry you, start by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner. If your doctor suspects you may have a problem with your prostate, you may be referred to a urologist. If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, you may also be referred to a oncologist.

What You Can Do:

• BE AWARE OF ANY PRE-APPOINTMENT RESTRICTIONS - At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.
• WRITE DOWN ANY SYMPTOMS YOU ARE EXPERIENCING - Include any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
• WRITE DOWN KEY PERSONAL INFORMATION - Include any major stresses or recent life changes.
• TAKE A FAMILY MEMBER OR FRIEND ALONG - Sometimes it can be difficult to absorb all the information provided during an appointment.
• MAKE A LIST OF ALL MEDICATIONS - Include any and all vitamins and/or supplements you are taking.
• WRITE DOWN QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR DOCTOR