Crucial Prostate Cancer Info That All Men Should Learn About

The prostate exists only in men. It is a small gland about the size of walnut, located underneath the bladder. Shaped somewhat like a donut, it surrounds the urethra -- the tube that transports urine from your bladder. The main job of the prostate is to produce seminal fluid, which protects and nourishes sperm after ejaculation.

Prostate cancer has recently become known as the most common form of cancer in males throughout Western society. Oftentimes, treatment is unnecessary since the disease grows rather slowly. This is unlike other forms of cancer that usually grow and spread quickly. However, prostate cancer can also spread to other parts of the body, including the bones which can cause pain.

The difficulty or inability to pass urine, especially at night, is one of the most prominent symptoms of prostate cancer. There may also be small amounts of blood found in the urine, or a weak urine stream. Other symptoms can be pain or discomfort in the upper thighs, hips and lower back.

These symptoms however may not necessarily represent prostate cancer; they can be a result of other less serious conditions too. But if you do have any of these symptoms, it is always best to consult your physician for a reliable diagnosis.

The causes of prostate cancer have still not been fully determined by research. However, a small number of cases have been linked to exposure to high levels of radiation. Genetics also appear to play a large part. Prostate cancer often shows up more than once among related males in the same family. Therefore if you have a family history of the disease, be sure to get regular health exams to detect the problem early. One thing to note is that prostate cancer rarely develops in men below the age of 50, but the risk rises significantly after that -- roughly 50% of all prostate cancer cases occur after the age of 75.

Although still inconclusive, current research suggests that a diet high in fats may increase the risk of prostate cancer, whereas a Vitamin E rich diet (tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and broccoli) can lower the risk. But even if a healthier diet doesn't actually reduce your risk of prostate cancer, your general health will improve, which will in turn make the prevention and treatment of diseases more successful.

Some believe that a vasectomy might increase the risk of prostate cancer, but as of now there is no research that supports this assumption. Some studies though have shown that 200 mcg of selenium taken every day may reduce the risk of the disease.

Like other forms of cancer, successful treatment depends upon early diagnosis. As the cancer becomes more advanced, a cure becomes more difficult. Every man above the age of 50 should come to understand the signs of prostate cancer and consult a doctor if any symptoms are present. Some of the tests that are administered in order to detect prostate cancer are:

Rectal Examination

The size and shape of the prostate is manually examined from the rectum by the insertion of a gloved and lubricated finger.

Ultrasound

The size and shape of the prostate gland is analyzed from the rectum by the insertion of a small probe.

PSA Blood Test

A blood test that looks for higher than normal levels of Prostate Specific Anitgens (PSA).

Biopsy

A small tissue sample is removed from the prostate by a needle inserted into the rectum with a small probe.

X-Ray

This is used to determine if the cancer has spread and is present in places such as the surrounding bones.

Are you looking for prostate cancer info? For more important information on prostate cancer, the prostate gland, and prostate cancer prevention and treatments, please visit http://www.onlineprostatehealth.com for more information.

Important Information on Prostate Cancer Facts Every Man Should Know

Prostate cancer is a disease that afflicts the prostate gland, which is only found in men. Located just below the bladder, the gland is roughly the size of a walnut and is in front of the rectum. The urethra -- the tube that transports urine from the bladder -- is surrounded by the prostate gland.

The prostate is also an important part of the male reproductive system, containing cells that protect and nourish sperm in the seminal fluid. A man's fertility can be compromised if these seminal fluids are not provided by the prostate.

The prostate grows when a boy begins to go through puberty and become a man. This growth depends upon the hormones that affect the prostate. Low hormonal levels won't allow the prostate to grow to full size.

The part of the prostate gland part that surrounds the urethra can continue to grow even into old age, creating a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH. The resulting growth puts pressure on the urethra, causing difficulty with urination. Although it can be rather uncomfortable, this condition is not serious and does not pose any risk to a sufferer's life.

However, prostate cancer, if left unchecked and untreated, can indeed be fatal. Prostate cancer is a slow growing form, known as prostate adenocarcinoma. It can grow so slowly that many men will carry the disease around for years and not even know. Some cases of prostate cancer are not even discovered until an autopsy is performed after death. Thus, prostate cancer can exist for quite a long time without any obvious external symptoms, such as urination trouble.

Even though a large amount of research has been conducted on the causes of prostate cancer, there have not yet been any definitive conclusions. Some physicians subscribe to the belief that small, barely detectable changes in the size and shape of the prostate gland is the beginning signal of prostate cancer. This change is known as prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, or PIN.

PIN consists of two levels -- a high grade or low grade (closer to a normal shape). A high grade PIN level is considered abnormal. If a PIN high grade is detected during a biopsy, further tests are necessary since cancer cells are likely present in the prostate. Like most cancers, early detection is vital for successful treatment and survival.

Although prostate cancer often progresses slowly, it can sometimes grow quickly. The disease can actually spread rather quickly. There is currently no way to determine which cancer cell types are more likely to grow quickly or slowly. It may be the case that most cancer diagnoses are uniquely different because every individual is unique, requiring unique treatment and care for every person.

Are you looking for information on prostate cancer? For more important information about prostate cancer facts, the prostate gland, and prostate cancer prevention and treatments, please visit http://www.onlineprostatehealth.com/ for more information.

Prostate Cancer Information

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, apart from skin cancer. After lung cancer, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death among men.

In this year, around 234,500 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the US. In 2006, approximately 27,300 men will die from prostate cancer in the US alone. One in every 8 Canadian men will develop the disease, and one in 3 will die from it.

Every man is at risk for prostate cancer. Black men have about a 60% higher incidence rate of prostate cancer than white men, and almost a two-fold higher mortality rate than white men.

Men most at risk include:

- Men over age 40
- North American and European origin
- Diets with a high fat intake
- History of the disease in the family.

The disease takes a long time to develop, and can be easily treated, if detected in its early stages. Prostate cancer can take up to eight to ten years to spread and become life threatening.

There are no specific prostate cancer symptoms, but some potential signs include:

- Frequent, difficult and painful urination
- Blood or pus in the urine
- Pain the in the lower back, pelvic area, or upper thighs
- Painful ejaculation

When speaking about medical options, doctors typically offer patients two choices: radiation therapy or surgery to remove prostate gland.

Studies show that that adding the following to your diet can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer:

- Vitamin E
- Vitamin C
- Tomato juice
- Selenium
- Garlic

Here are 5 foods that can help prevent prostate cancer:

1. Black, pinto, small red and kidney beans.
2. Tomatoes, watermelon and pink grapefruit.
3. Sweet potatoes, carrots and cantaloupe.
4. Broccoli, kale and cauliflower.
5. Soy milk.

Alex Fir shares a wealth of information on his website Prostate Cancer Information. To read latest prostate cancer news visit his site right now.