Prostate Cancer Overview
Prostate cancer affects a large number of men but, few know exactly how prevalent the cancer really is. An estimated 17 percent of all males in the world will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at one point of their life or another. Although prostate cancer is often treatable, approximately 1 in 34 men living in the United States will die as a result of prostate cancer.
The prostate is a male gland that can only be found in men. It is situated underneath the bladder. It is wrapped around the urethra, which is the tube that transports urine out of the bladder. Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects the prostate. It is commonly found among men over 60. While painful, most prostate cancers do not kill, although most patients will die before the symptoms fully develop, due to other causes.
A variety of symptoms accompany prostate cancer, such as urinary incontinence, passing urine excessively, weak or interrupted urine flow, blood in the urine, and even persistent pain in the hips, the upper thighs, and the lower back. Note that these symptoms may also point to other illnesses of the reproductive system. Whenever possible, seek professional advice.
Prostate cancer is easy to treat when it is in its early stages of growth. 91 percent of all diagnoses of prostate cancer occur in the early stages known as the local and regional stages. This means that these cases of prostate cancer is either exclusively in the prostate, or has only spread to a small surrounding area including the lymph nodes.
The rate of survival for 5 years after a diagnosis of local or regional skin cancer is nearly 100 percent. The 5-year rate of survival for those who have a prostate cancer that has spread outside of the immediate area is approximately 34 percent, so it’s important to catch the disease as soon as possible.
With the advent of new medicines and technologies, death due to prostate cancer has decreased considerably in the past few years, which has led the mortality rate of prostate cancer to drop at least 3.5 percent after the study was conducted.
The medical establishment is still not sure about the direct cause of prostate cancer. There are various possible culprits, such as excessive exposure to high levels of radiation. Genetics also play a significant role. Up to 10 percent of cases run in families. If you have a close male relative with prostate cancer, you are up to four times more likely to be diagnosed with the disease yourself.
The rate of risk also increases considerably after the age of sixty. Fully fifty percent of prostate cancer cases come after the age of seventy-five. As mentioned before, those with relatives with the disease are also at a greater danger of developing the cancer themselves.
Because the direct cause of prostate cancer is not known, preventing the disease is a tricky proposition. Some studies show that a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet may help contribute to prostate cancer. Conversely, diets that are low in fat may help reduce the risk. Research has shown that diets where tomatoes and cruciferous vegetables are consumed regularly show lower risk rates.
Prostate Health News
Genomic Health Presents Results Furthering Understanding of Biology of Prostate Cancer at the 2012 Genitourinary ...
REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Feb. 3, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Genomic Health, Inc. (Nasdaq: GHDX - News) today announced results from a large clinical study in prostate cancer evaluating the relationship of microRNAs, a ...
Health Notes: FREE prostate screening and workshop -- men and women invited
The Hampton Roads Prostate Health Forum is encouraging WOMEN to sign up their husbands and sons -- and to attend the prostate cancer workshop and screening on Saturday, Feb. 18 at Queen Street North Worship Center, 98 North Armistead Ave., Hampton.
Former Giant linebacker helps others tackle prostate cancer
NY Giants legend Harry Carson signs autographs last Wednesday evening at Norwalk Hospital during an event to promote prostate health. Photo: Jordan Osterhout / CT