Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the uncontrolled, rapid, abnormal growth of cells in the prostate. These cells grow and replicate and form a tumor. If the cells continue to grow fast and infiltrate the tissue surrounding the prostate and may migrate to other parts of the body. Each year doctors diagnosis approximately 220,000 men with prostate cancer, as noted by the American Cancer Society.
Effects on the Body

Prostate cancer usually grows slowly. Chances of dying from the disease will depend on health; age when cancer is discovered and the stage of the cancer. If the cancer is not detected early enough it can kill you. If detected early, men who are treated for localized cancer of the prostate live as long as other men their age who do not have prostate cancer.

Testing for the Disease

The primary manner physicians detect prostate cancer is by performing a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). Another method for detecting prostate cancer is by drawing blood. The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test is a blood test than can detect higher than normal amounts of PSA, which is a protein released by the prostate into the bloodstream, a large amount of PSA may indicate a need for further testing.

Risk Factors

Every man is at risk of developing prostate cancer. One out of five men will develop prostate cancer. Age, race, and heredity may be factors in determining who gets prostate cancer. By getting plenty of exercise and maintaining a healthy diet, your chances of developing prostate cancer may be decreased.

The Cause

The exact cause of cancer is unknown. Over the years, through research, a variety of factors have been listed as possible causes. These factors range from hormonal and inherited to dietary and environmental factors. Most prostate cancer grows slowly; because of this it can be managed. If detected early enough-it can be cured.

Signs and Symptoms

There are no sure symptoms of prostate cancer, however there are warning signs. Some of the warning signs of prostate cancer include the following: frequent urination, blood in urine, and a painful ejaculation.

Diagnosis

Once it has been determined that you have Prostate Cancer it is important that you know the grade and the stage of you diagnosis. There are many ways that the progression of the cancer is measured. The grade of prostate cancer is determined based on how the cancer looks under the microscope.

Treatment

There are a variety of treatment options available for prostate cancer. These treatments include surgeries and therapies. The type of treatment that one receives will depend greatly on the progression of the prostate cancer.

Prevention

There are several ways that one can try to prevent prostate cancer from developing that include a healthy diet and getting regular exercise.