Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men in the United States. Research shows that one out of every nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.
Generally, prostate cancer gradually grows and can remain in the prostate glands where it doesn’t cause much harm. Nevertheless, while some types of prostate cancer can grow slowly and cause little to no harm, other types are more aggressive, spreading fairly quickly and to other parts of the body.
For some people, prostate cancer can hit close to home when a father, husband or brother may be diagnosed. However, there is always still hope.
If prostate cancer is detected early, there is a better chance of a successful treatment. By knowing the causes and signs to look out for, you’ll be able to lessen the chance of you or your loved one’s prostate cancer becoming worse.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate gland. For those who are unaware, the prostate gland in men is a small gland that resembles a walnut. Its role is to produce seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
It is still unclear as to what causes prostate cancer, but doctors do know that prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate become abnormal. Mutations in the DNA of these abnormal cells will cause the cells to grow and divide at a faster rate than normal cells do, which will cause the abnormal cells to thrive while the normal cells die.
The accumulation of abnormal cells will lead to a tumor that can grow and invade nearby tissue and can also break off and spread to other parts of the body.
Certain factors like age, race, family history and obesity can increase the risk of prostate cancer. Knowing the signs and symptoms of this form of cancer can help to catch it early and lower the chance of prostate cancer spreading.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
In the early stages of prostate cancer, there are little to no signs of symptoms, but a prostate cancer that’s more advanced can cause symptoms and signs that include:
- Blood in semen
- Bone pain
- Trouble urinating
- Decreased force in the stream of urine
- Pain in the pelvic area
- Erectile dysfunction
If you or the men in your life may be experiencing one or more of these symptoms, make sure you schedule an appointment with your doctor and request a cancer screening. The best way to protect yourself or your loved one from prostate cancer is to take the necessary precautions to prevent it. Follow the simple tips to help you reduce the risk of this type of cancer.
Preventative Measures for Prostate Cancer
There are multiple ways to reduce the risk of prostate cancer if you do the following:
Implement good eating habits with a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables: You should try your best to avoid foods high in fat and sugar, replacing them with nutrient-filled fruits and vegetables. Not only will eating healthy lower your risk of prostate cancer, but it will also improve your overall health as well.
Stay away from supplements and choose healthy foods instead: There hasn’t been any scientific proof that supplements can help you reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Instead, choose to eat foods high in vitamins, minerals and nutrients, so you can maintain the essential levels of vitamins within your body.
Get adequate amounts of exercise: Exercising on a consistent basis will improve your overall health while maintaining your weight and improving your mood. There are studies that prove that men who exercise have a lower risk of exercise, so make sure you try to exercise most days of the week.
Speak to your doctor: Men are more likely to put off speaking to their doctor unless there is something that really concerns them. Make sure you form a good relationship with your doctor and let them know if there is any history of prostate cancer in your family. Your doctor might suggest things you could do to help reduce your risk of prostate cancer and keep you healthy.
