Prostate Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, And Prevention
“Cancer”! Even hearing this word terrifies us. And if someone is diagnosed with it, we just pray that they survive, even if it takes a miracle. Prostate cancer is one of the different cancer variants. In 2022 alone, approximately 1,467,854 new cases of this cancer were reported across the globe, the World Cancer Research Fund revealed. It’s an alarming number, requiring every individual out there to learn about this cancer variant, including its prevention methods. We are here with a detailed blog about this cancer variant, including its symptoms, causes, prevention methods, etc.
4 Types Of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a variant that forms in the prostate, which is a small walnut-shaped gland in front of the rectum in men. This cancer has 4 variants:
Small Cell Carcinoma
This type of cancer can spread in the lungs and other body parts.
Transitional Cell Carcinomas
Transitional cell carcinoma is cancer in the transitional epithelium, the tissue lining the inside of hollow organs.
Neuroendocrine Tumors
As the name suggests, this cancer develops in neuroendocrine system cells, spreading throughout the body, including the pelvic cavity, neck, abdomen, and brain.
Sarcoma
This type of cancer develops in connective tissues, such as bones, muscles, fat, and blood vessels.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
The next section is the symptoms of Prostate Cancer.
- Frequent need to urinate
- Pain and burning sensation when urinating
- Urinary inconsistency
- Loss of bowel control
- Painful ejaculation and erectile dysfunction
- Blood in semen
- Pain in lower back, hip and chest
- Losing weight without any reason
What Causes Prostate Cancer
There is no clear cause of prostate cancer, but there are some speculations that it develops when cells divide faster than usual. Normal cells die, but cancer cells keep on living, forming a lump of tissue named tumour. As cells continue to divide, tumours can spread to other parts of the body. Luckily, cancer that develops in the prostate spreads slowly and can be cured.
Prostate Cancer Risk Factors
The common risk factors of prostate cancer are as follows:
- Age: The risk of this cancer grows with age. Around 60% of prostate cancers occur in people older than 65.
- Race And Ethnicity: Those who have African ancestors have a greater risk of getting diagnosed with this disease. There are several factors that play a part in it, such as genetic variants, environmental exposure, socioeconomic factors, etc.
- Family History: If someone in your family is ever diagnosed with this cancer, you are likely to get it, too.
- Genetics: People with Lynch syndrome or mutated genes have increased risk.
Prostate Cancer Prevention Tips
You can look for some prostate cancer treatments, but incorporating prevention tips will help you get better sooner. So, jump to the below section and check out the prevention tips.
- Exercise on a daily basis. The CDC (Centre for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly. Exercising will strengthen the immune system, helping you recover faster.
- Eating a nutritious diet that includes cancer-preventing foods will help with fast recovery. Add tomatoes, berries, nuts, soy, whole grains, etc., to your diet.
- Avoid consuming tobacco and smoking. They can affect your recovery speed even if you opt for the best prostate cancer treatments.
Navigating Through Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a common disease that any man can get. There are a few risk factors for this disease. If you are diagnosed with this disease, follow a healthy lifestyle. Your healthcare provider will help you with treatment, but following prevention tips is better.
Frequently Asked Questions
1- What is a proton therapy for prostate cancer?
A proton therapy for prostate cancer is a non-invasive radiation treatment method in which proton particles are used to destroy cancer cells.
2- Can stage 4 PC be cured?
Generally, it can’t be cured, but treatments can reduce symptoms and lengthen life.
3- What is the death rate of prostate cancer?
According to the National Institute of Health, half of the men with PC die.
4- Can a blood test detect prostate cancer?
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is a blood test that can detect this cancer and help in treatment.
5- Is prostate cancer 100% curable?
Yes, with early diagnosis, this cancer can be completely cured.
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