Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Prostate cancer symptoms: Get Informed Now About Prostate Cancer Symptoms And Treatments

2008-06-28T11:50:00.004+07:00

Prostate cancer symptoms

Prostate cancer is normally a slow growth cancer that can take years before it becomes deadly. Many men, especially those later in life have made the decision with their doctors to simply watch and wait. Men at higher risk for prostate cancer include African-American men older than 60, farmers, tire plant workers, painters, and men exposed to cadmium; the lowest number of cases occurs in Japanese men and those who do not eat meat who reach the age of 80.

The main job of the prostate gland is to make seminal fluid, the milky substance that transports sperm. In most men, prostate cancer grows very slowly; most men will never even know they have the condition. Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75 years old.

Most prostate cancer symptoms, although usually associated with prostate cancer, are more likely to be connected to non-cancerous conditions. Additional symptoms that may be associated are bone pain or tenderness, and abdominal pain. If you have one or more prostate cancer symptoms, you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

Some men may experience symptoms that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer. There are various other symptoms that may not be mentioned here. The need to urinate frequently, especially at night is another common symptom but can mimic other health issues.

There are several potential downsides to PSA testing; for example a high PSA does not mean a patient has prostate cancer. One downside to PSA testing is that health care providers are detecting and treating some very early-stage prostate cancers that may never have developed into anything. There is a newer test called an AMACR that is more sensitive than the PSA test for determining the presence of prostate cancer.

The decision about whether or not to pursue a PSA test should be based on a discussion between you and your doctor. A bone scan can indicate whether the cancer has spread. A chest x-ray may be done also to see if there's a spread of cancer or metastasis.

What you can do right now is begin to understand what exactly your treatment options are and where you're going to start. Surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy can all interfere with libido on a temporary or permanent basis. Most men simply want the best treatment they can get but what is important is choosing the best treatment for you.

Urinary incontinence can be one of the complications of surgery. Medicines can be used to adjust the levels of testosterone; this is called hormonal manipulation. Hormone manipulation is mainly used as a treatment to relieve symptoms in men whose cancer has metastasized.

Side effects of the chemotherapy drugs depend on which ones you're taking and how often and how long they're taken. The invasive conventional treatment of prostate cancer is often controversial. If continued chemotherapy is decided upon after the first round of chemotherapy, most men receive further doses on an outpatient basis at a clinic or physician's office. Think hard and long before committing to any chemotherapy.

Whether radiation is as good as removing the prostate gland is debatable and the decision about which to choose, if any, can be difficult for anyone. Prostate cancer that has spread may be treated conventionally with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, chemotherapy or even nothing at all. A new therapy is on the forefront that recruits the body's own immune system cells to destroy any tumors that could become a new way to treat men with advanced prostate cancer - if the FDA approves the highly individualized treatment.

For a more natural approach making a ginger tea, by adding a thin slice or two of fresh gingerroot to hot water, is helpful to many people I know. Concentrating on a diet of predominately fruits and vegetables (preferably raw- uncooked) and no junk food, should give you an observable improvement in your overall health within 30 days. Eat foods that contain the essential fatty acids.

A good dietary, natural treatment approach is to avoid all acidic inflammatory foods; those are foods that are not alive, not dead, non-nutrient food. Studies done on antioxidant vitamins question their value when not actually contained in food; it's clearly better to consume these antioxidants in living foods because they may also need to work with other nutrients present in the foods to work properly. Some foods and beverages to avoid that are inflammatory are: caffeine, salt, sugar, meat, dairy products, additives, soft drinks, white flour, white rice, alcoholic beverages, fast food, processed vegetable oils, and canned, refined, packaged and processed food.

Eat high-fiber snacks like raw nuts (soak them overnight first to release the enzyme inhibitors that make them difficult to digest), raw seeds, and dried fruit, such as dates, and figs. Drink plenty of pure, unchlorinated, filtered water, a minimum of a quart each day. For an easy fiber boost, mix in two tablespoons of ground-up flaxseeds in raw applesauce made from two-three apples in your food processor.

Evidence indicates that many patients detect cancer at an earlier stage because of annual screening, so make sure to get a good, thorough exam. As new research comes out adjust your treatment options accordingly but a good diet will be your best initial defense. In the end, only you with the help of your doctors, knowing your individual situation, can determine the best treatment plan for you.

Prostate cancer symptoms: Prostate Cancer - Symptoms Treatment And Diet

2008-06-28T11:49:00.003+07:00

Prostate cancer symptoms

If you have prostate cancer, are concerned about getting it, or if you're looking out for the health of someone you love, this article can help. Prostate cancer is normally a slow growth cancer that can take years before it becomes deadly. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man's reproductive system; it wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body - because of this can cause various urinary problems.

Like other cancers, the cause of prostate cancer is not known; it appears to be more common in African American men and men with a family history of the disease. In Portland Oregon, there is a three-year Oregon Health & Sciences University study; leaders hope to come up with an exercise program to benefit men dealing with prostate cancer who are on testosterone-lowering medications. Many men, especially those later in life have made the decision with their doctors to simply watch and wait.

If you have one or more prostate cancer symptoms, you should see a qualified doctor as soon as possible. Most prostate cancer symptoms, although associated with prostate cancer, are more likely to be connected to non-cancerous conditions. There are other symptoms that may not be mentioned here.

Blood in the urine or semen and frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs can be symptoms of cancer. There are a few symptoms to be aware of. Because prostate cancer symptoms can mimic other diseases or disorders, men who experience any of these symptoms should undergo a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms.

A prostate gland biopsy usually confirms the diagnosis. CT scans may be done to see if the cancer has metastasized (spread). When a digital rectal exam is performed it often reveals an enlarged prostate with a hard, irregular surface.

A number of tests may be done to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer. A urinalysis may indicate if there is blood in the urine, which may or may not be related. A PSA test with a high level can also be from a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.

Some drugs with numerous side effects are being used to treat advanced prostate cancer, blocking the production of testosterone, called chemical castration; it has the same result as surgical removal of the testes. Since prostate tumors require testosterone to grow, reducing the testosterone level is used to prevent further growth and spread of the cancer. Surgery, called a radical prostatectomy, removes the entire prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissues.

Prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) may be treated conventionally with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, chemotherapy or nothing at all. Surgery, radiation, hormonal therapy and chemotherapy all have significant side effects; know fully what they are before you proceed. Anyone considering surgery should be aware of the benefits, risks and the extent of the procedure.

In the early stages, surgery and radiation may be used to remove or attempt to kill the cancer cells or shrink the tumor. What you can do now is begin to understand what exactly your treatment options are and where you're going to begin. Side effects of chemotherapy drugs depend on which ones you're taking and how often and how long they're taken.

Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of all available treatment options. Besides hormonal drugs, hormone manipulation may also be done by surgically removing the testes. The approaches to treatment include: just ever watchful waiting to see whether the cancer is growing slowly and not causing any symptoms.

Drink freshly made carrot juice every day that you make in a juicer or juice extractor. Add a small handful of kale or spinach to your fruit smoothie and blend-- know one will ever know. Make highly nutritious raw applesauce using a food processor and put in 3-4 cored pesticide-free apples, with the skin on, and mix for a minute; so much better for you than canned highly processed applesauce and add 1/4 tsp. cinnamon or two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseed for another boost.

Make smoothies with fruit only, using a base of two bananas, adding a cup of frozen or fresh blueberries and mango chunks or substitute any other fruit and add an energy boost of two tablespoons of coconut oil; add one or two leaves of kale for another highly nutritional boost. If you're not already doing so, make a serious effort to watch your diet closely. Eat foods that contain the essential fatty acids.

Consider taking cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day. Studies done on antioxidant vitamins question their value when not contained in food; it's clearly better to consume these antioxidants in living foods because they may also need to work with other nutrients present in the foods to work properly. Supplements that help any disease or ailment include vitamin B12 -- the methylcobalamin type not cyanocobalamin, and sub-lingual -- dissolves slowly under the tongue; and vitamin D3 - especially if you can't get a daily dose of 15 to 20 minutes of sun on your arms and legs so you can make your own vitamin D3.

In the end, only you with the help of your doctors, knowing your individual situation, can determine the best treatment program for you. With the advent of PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause any symptoms. While the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer remains high, survival rates are also greatly improving; perhaps because of dietary improvement.

Prostate cancer symptoms: Do You Have Prostate Cancer Symptoms?

2008-06-28T11:48:00.003+07:00

Prostate cancer symptoms

The prostate gland is located directly beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. It's a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man's reproductive system. It wraps around the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body. And because of this it can cause various urinary problems. I suspect there may be a dietary connection to prostate cancer. I cured myself naturally of breast cancer and others have cured themselves of all types of cancer using a diet of living foods.

Prostate cancer is deadly, but because it is slow-growing it can be cured if it is caught early. Prostate cancer is characterized by 'grade' and 'stage'. Grade is given to indicate how quickly a cancer is growing - the higher the grade, the more likely it is that the cancer will grow and spread rapidly. The size and extent of the tumor will determine its stage. In most men, prostate cancer grows so slowly they men will never even know they have the condition.

Weak or an interrupted flow of urine and painful or burning urination can be symptoms to watch for. One of the most common symptoms is the inability to urinate and if you have this symptom you should get checked right away. The need to urinate frequently, especially at night is another common symptom.

If you find blood in the urine or semen and have frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs, these can be cancer symptoms. But having one or more cancer symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer. Additional symptoms that may be associated with cancer are bone pain or tenderness, and abdominal pain.

A urinalysis may indicate if there is blood in the urine, which may or may not be related to cancer. Another test usually used when prostate cancer symptoms are present is a digital rectal exam (DRE) performed by your doctor, proctologist or sometimes an oncologist. A prostate gland biopsy usually confirms the cancer diagnosis.

A chest x-ray may be done to see if there is a spread of cancer called metastasis. Keep in mind that many experts report that PSA tests are not reliable and they are looking for better ways to diagnose prostate cancer. Also urine or prostatic fluid cytology may reveal unusual cells.

Medications can have many side effects, including hot flashes and loss of sexual desire, so consider this carefully before you commit to taking any. Many men simply want the best treatment they can get but what's important is choosing the treatment that the best for you. What you can do now is begin to understand what exactly your treatment options are and what you are going to do first.

A new therapy is on the forefront that recruits the body's own immune system cells to destroy tumors that could become a new way to treat men with advanced prostate cancer that is if the FDA approves the highly individualized treatment. In patients whose health makes the risk of surgery unacceptably high, radiation therapy is often the chosen conventional alternative, but think it through whether or not you want to expose yourself to this. And anyone considering surgery should be aware of the benefits, risks and the extent of the procedure and how it will affect your daily life.

Be aware that many men these days choose natural treatment options and forgo any surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Some drugs with numerous side effects are being used to treat advanced prostate cancer, blocking the production of testosterone, called chemical castration. It has the same result as surgical removal of the testes. Whether radiation is as good as removing the prostate gland is debatable and the decision about which to choose, if any, can be difficult. The body has memory for all radiation and surgery has numerous drawbacks.

If more chemotherapy is decided upon after the first round of chemotherapy, most men receive further doses on an outpatient basis at a clinic or physician's office. Prostate tumors require testosterone to grow. Reducing the testosterone level is used to prevent further growth and spread of the cancer. Medicines can be used to adjust the levels of testosterone, called hormonal manipulation, but consider this approach carefully.

Dietary tips - use flaxseed oil in a daily dark green salad. A good dietary, natural treatment approach is to avoid all acidic foods, which are inflammatory, that is, foods that are dead. Eat living plant foods. Drink plenty of pure filtered water, at least a quart a day.

Consider taking liquid cod liver oil or fish oil supplements every day. Buy lacinato kale and juice it in your juicer with some sweet carrots. For an easy fiber boost, mix in two tablespoons of ground up flaxseeds in raw applesauce, from two or three apples, made in a food processor. Grind the flaxseeds in an old cleaned-up coffee grinder.

Add a small handful of kale or spinach to your fruit smoothie and blend well. No one will ever know. Eat at least one, preferably two organic apples with the skin on every day. Put two tablespoons of coconut oil, the kind that is unbleached, unrefined and undeodorized, in your smoothies. Coconut oil is plant-based, not animal-based and is actually good for us.

Consider sites, like this one, just a starting point where you can begin to learn more about prostate cancer. Once diagnosed you may be want to join a support group whose members share their experiences and problems. But be careful because many may choose conventional treatment and if you choose natural treatment you may want to share information with others who are using the same approach. It's important to get as informed as possible and read all the newest books, ebooks and research available regarding both conventional and alternative natural approaches.

Prostate cancer symptoms: Early Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer

2008-06-28T11:47:00.003+07:00

Prostate cancer symptoms

The problem with trying to diagnose prostate cancer early is that the symptoms of early prostate cancer are similar to those caused by benign (non-cancerous) prostate enlargement known as Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy or BPH. In fact BPH often causes more symptoms than prostate cancer and is very common in men as they get older. Many men diagnosed with prostate cancer will also have BPH. However many men who have BPH will not have prostate cancer at all.

These early prostate cancer symptoms are mainly due to obstruction of the flow of urine out of the bladder. As the prostate enlarges it makes the tube running from the bladder which carries urine out of the body narrow. This can make it difficult to pee normally.

Hesitancy – difficulty with starting to pee
Weak Stream – the stream or flow of urine is not as fast and hard as it used to be
Straining – you need to push the urine out
Prolonged Urination – it takes you longer to pee even small amounts
Feeling of Incomplete Emptying – the bladder still feels like there is some urine left in it after you have just emptied it.
Urinary Retention – the inability to empty the bladder at all

Other Symptoms are due to irritation of the bladder by the enlarged prostate. Again these symptoms are the same for BPH as they are for prostate cancer.

Urgency – when you need to go, you need to go now, it’s difficult to hold on
Frequency – you need to pee more often
Nocturia – you need to get up in the night to pee
Urge Incontinence – where you suddenly need to pee and can’t hold on so you have an accident if you can’t get to a toilet in time

If you have any of these symptoms it is worth going to see your GP to talk about them. Firstly there are many treatments that can help with the symptoms plus the doctor can check that they are due to BPH and not to prostate cancer which could need urgent treatment. If you have these symptoms the doctor may want you to have a PSA blood test or a DRE.

IMPORTANT ADVANCED PROSTATE CANCER SYMPTOMS

When prostate cancer has spread outside of the prostate gland it can give symptoms from the areas it has spread to. Sometimes these are the first indication that something is wrong and the cancer is diagnosed late. They can also occur whilst a patient is being followed up (seen in clinic regularly) following treatment for prostate cancer and indicate that the cancer has progressed despite any treatment.

Where cancer invades locally around the prostate gland it can affect the nerves which supply the penis. This can lead to problems getting and sustaining an erection. It could also cause painful ejaculation or blood in the semen. There are many other causes of problems with erections (erectile dysfunction) and you should speak to you doctor about any concerns you have. There are many effective treatments available for this or it may be a sign of something more serious which needs investigating further.

Locally advanced prostate cancer can also cause pain in the pelvis or sometimes felt around the anus (back passage). This pain may be quite severe and is often persistent. Most often men would require strong pain killers from the doctor for this type of pain.

The most common site of secondary spread is the bones. This is usually felt as pain which is persistent and felt in the same place in the bones for a period of time. Sometimes this pain stops you from sleeping properly or affects the way in which you can move around and get on with daily life. There may be just one site or several bones affected at the same time.

The cancer in the bones will also cause them to be more brittle and easier to break or fracture with even minor injuries. If one of the bones in the spine collapses from being affected by cancer it can cause pressure on the spinal cord. This is the bit of the body which sends messages from the brain to the arms and legs to tell them to move and carries messages back about sensation and temperature. If the spinal cord is squashed it can cause numbness in the arms or legs and difficulty moving them. It may also affect the way you open your bowels or urinate, and is often associated with pain in the back. Cancer secondaries in the bones may also cause a high calcium level in the blood which can make you feel nauseous, sleepy, confused, constipated and have abdominal pains.

Remember there are many reasons why (especially elderly) men can get aches and pains in their bones (arthritis etc) but if you are worried you should tell you doctor. They may be able to reassure you or may want to arrange for you to have a bone scan (see earlier). This obviously helps to assess what form of treatment would be most appropriate.

When cancer is more advanced it may start to cause weight loss and a general deterioration in health. If it has spread beyond the bones to other areas of the body it could cause symptoms there e.g. cause breathlessness if spread to the lungs, cause headaches if spread to the brain.

Prostate cancer symptoms: How You Know it?

2008-06-28T11:46:00.003+07:00

Prostate cancer symptoms

Many men do not seek medical advice when the symptoms are present, partly because they are very similar to those of another disease: BPH or benign prostatic hypertrophy. Prostate cancer can also be present for years without causing any symptoms and is often not detected until it is in an advanced stage. In this article about prostate cancer symptoms, prostate treatment, radiation and more, we aim to introduce you to prostate cancer so that you have an outline of important information if you ever find yourself, or someone you love facing a similar situation.

The existing symptoms of prostate problems may or may not signal cancer including necessity to urinate very often, painful and burning urination, bloody urine, lower back pain or pain in the pelvis or upper thighs, dribbling after urination, blood in semen, weak urine flow, difficulty in starting urination, painful or burning urination, sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder, stopping and starting urination along with not being able to urinate, painful ejaculation, blood cells in the semen or urine, as well as frequent pain and cramps in the lower back, hips and upper thighs.

In the early stages, prostate cancer has few symptoms and many of the symptoms associated with this disease are also found in other less serious illnesses. Symptoms only set in once the tumor spreads.

The patients receive no active treatment unless symptoms appear. At the outset, there are no clear prostate cancer symptoms that patients can be easily noticed. Catching prostate cancer early is the best way for a man to increase their chances of survival and that involves knowing the symptoms and seeing a doctor regularly. These symptoms can also be from an enlarged prostate which is not life threatening. Chronic (bacterial) prostatitis, which develops gradually and may only have subtle symptoms, though it often continues for a prolonged period.

Other symptoms for prostate health concerns include urgent needs to urinate, the need to wake up several times a night to do this or dribbling of urine after and even before urinating.

One of the most common symptoms listed above is the difficulty starting to pass urine, but keep your eye out for the others. Men with this prostate problem who do experience symptoms are likely to notice difficulty in starting urination, frequent urination as well as an increased frequency in awakening at night to urinate. It is advisable that men experiencing these symptoms should consult their physician for an accurate diagnosis.

Prostate cancer symptoms: What Are The Symptoms To Look Out For?

2008-06-28T11:44:00.003+07:00

Prostate cancer symptoms

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer occuring in men in the United States today. It generally appears after the age of 50 and its incidence increases with age. Prostate cancer usually doesn't show any noticeable symptoms in its early stages and most men tend to ignore these early symptoms as being nothing more than a normal part of the ageing process.

By the time they are aware of the symptoms, the cancer would have reached terminal stages of its development. So, what are the prostate cancer symptoms that we should be on the lookout for to prevent this situation from happening?

Early signs and symptoms of both benign and malignant prostate cancer can include the following:

A need to urinate frequently, especially at night;
Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine;
Weak or interrupted flow of urine;
Painful or burning urination;
Difficulty in having an erection;
Painful ejaculation;
Blood in urine or semen; or
Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips and upper thighs

These early prostate cancer symptoms are the body's warning signs that something is wrong inside our body. It may indicate the presence of other diseases or disorders such as the enlargement of the prostate gland (a condition called 'benign prostatic hyperplasia' or 'BPH' for short), prostatit, or some other forms of prostate infections which are usually benign. If left untreated, these conditions may become malignant and the cancer may start spreading beyond the prostate to the other part of our body.

The only way to find out the truth of the condition and to control prostate cancer at its infancy is to undergo routine checkups with tests known as prostate-specific antigen, or a PSA test, and a digital rectal exam or DRE. Some statistics indicate that an early detection of the prostate cancer at its early stages increases your chances, by as high as 98%, for a full recovery from the cancer.

In its advanced stages, prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the body and have many other symptoms. For instance, if it spreads to the bones, it may cause pain in your back, hips, pelvis, and other bony areas. Other suspicious symptoms included weight loss, particularly in elderly men, and difficulty in getting an erection (where you haven't had difficulty before).

Prostate cancer symptoms: How Do You Recognize The Symptoms Of Prostate Problems?

2008-06-28T11:43:00.003+07:00

Prostate cancer symptoms

It may appear strange but for many years men knew very little about their prostate gland and it is only in the past few years as prostate cancer has gained in prominence that men are beginning to ask just what the prostate gland is and what it does.

The prostate gland is an important component of the male reproductive system which produces a clear liquid which makes up a substantial portion of a man's seminal fluid. Sperm is taken from the testes to the prostate gland where it is mixed with proteins and prostatic fluid to form semen.

A normal prostate gland is about the size of a walnut, weighs approximately one ounce and sits just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is also frequently described as being donut shaped and is partially wrapped around the urethra, which carrying urine from the bladder and out of the body.

The prostate gland grows throughout a man's life, although from about the age of twenty until the mid-forties this growth is extremely slow and is almost undetectable. Once a man reaches approximately forty-five however it is normal for the growth of the prostate gland to speed up and the vast majority of men will start to experience the symptoms of an enlarged prostate during their forties or fifties.

In many cases an enlarged prostate leads to little more than some mild discomfort which a lot of men simply learn to live with. In some instances however the prostate may become sufficiently enlarged so that it restricts the urethra enough to cause a variety of symptoms which need treatment or persuade a man to seek treatment to relieve his discomfort. Growth of the prostate gland at this point in a man's life is a normal part of the aging process and is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BHP.

In all cases however the greatest problem with an enlarged prostate gland is that this might be something more than a simple case of enlargement and may be masking the growth of an underlying cancer.

When the prostate gland begins to grow it also begins to press on the urethra and to narrow it so that the first signs and symptoms of a problem are often seen when it comes to urinating. Specifically you may experience difficulty in passing water and need to 'push' in order to start the process. You might also suffer from a weak urine flow and a flow which has a tendency to stop and start. As time goes on you will also find that you have to visit the bathroom more often, particularly at night, and that you feel that you have to visit the bathroom even just after you have just done so.

Not surprisingly this could become something of a an irritation to say the least but but, all the same, a lot of men are content to simply put it down as one of the inevitable problems of aging and learn to live with it. The is nothing wrong with this of course but the mistake which far too man men make is not to seek the advice of their doctor at this stage to confirm that their problem is merely BPH and that it is unlikely to lead to other problems.

Aside from the obvious risk of the possibility of an underlying cancer present, BPH can also cause other problems like kidney disease or bladder infection.

Should you begin to encounter signs and symptoms which suggest a prostate problem then visit your doctor so that the problem can be properly diagnosed.

Prostate cancer symptoms: What is that?

2008-06-28T11:42:00.003+07:00

Prostate cancer symptoms

The prostate cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the prostate gland which is the part of male reproductive system. Prostate cancer symptoms might or might not manifest in a man suffering from this condition. Being a slow developing type of cancer, some men who have the disease might not even know that they have it.

Prostate cancer symptoms are not evident in its early stage. Screening for prostate cancer is relatively simple to do, with an annual prostate examination and PSA test . Most patients with prostate cancer will be identified and with a relatively high chance of cure. Screening for diseases is a fact of modern medicine. For prostate cancer, the issue is complex, as the overall benefit to patients is far from clear.

Screening means testing for cancer before you have any symptoms. A screening test can often help find cancer at an early stage. Prostate cancer symptoms are the key to determining if one has a possibility of developing prostate cancer. With early self-diagnosis, one can make a detour away from the deadly route of prostate cancer. Urinary difficulties and incontinence are characteristic of early stage prostate cancer symptoms. Men often experience frequent urination, although the amount of urine passed may be quite small. Urinary incontinence often follows childbirth or menopause. Urine or prostatic fluid cytology may reveal unusual looking cells. Also keep in mind that experts report that PSA tests are not reliable and they are looking for better ways to diagnose prostate cancer. Urine or prostatic fluid cytology may reveal unusual cells.

Another test usually used when prostate cancer symptoms are present is a digital rectal exam (DRE) performed by the doctor, proctologist or oncologist. Blood in the urine is normally a symptom of something other than prostate cancer.

However, in people who do have prostate cancer the presence of blood in the urine may be an indicator that the condition is advanced and has spread from the prostate and into the bladder or urethra. Blood tests will usually confirm diagnosis. If left untreated the disease can get serious and lead to kidney, liver, eye, and brain damage. Pain in the bladder or frequent urge for urinating are other symptoms which might indicate bladder cancer. However, none of these symptoms can be conclusively related to bladder cancer. Pain and stiffness in the lower back, hips, upper thighs and the pelvic area can be symptoms of prostate cancer that has already spread. If these prostate cancer symptoms appear, a visit to the doctor is most imperative.

Scientists are just beginning to study how diet and other environmental factors may or may not affect prostate cancer risk. Scientists still do not know the exact cause behind prostate cancer. No one knows why some people suffer with prostate cancer while others do not.

Prostate cancer symptoms: Prevention

2008-06-28T11:39:00.003+07:00

Prostate cancer symptoms

Prostate cancer symptoms are similar to those of chronic prostatitis. After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the second most common diagnosed cancer for men in the U.S.

The American Cancer Society estimates that over 230,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year and an estimated 30,000 will die from it.

Prostatitis and Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Even though, prostate cancer is almost always treatable and not usually fatal, next to lung cancer, it is still the second leading cause of cancer death for American men.

The prostate is a small walnut sized gland, in the reproductive system of men, that makes and stores semen. It surrounds the urethra - the tube that carries urine from the bladder - and is located between the bladder and the rectum.

If it becomes swollen and too large as a result of inflammation, which often happens as men grow older, the flow of urine may be slowed down or even stopped. The most common prostatitis and prostate cancer symptom is difficulty urinating.

Although many risk factors, such as age, a family history of prostate cancer and race (It's most common in African American men) are unavoidable, there are many things a man can do to help reduce his chances. These include:

Exercise,
Quitting smoking
Eating a good diet
Weight management,
And staying sexually active.

Sex and the Prostate

Some research shows that an active sex life may help reduce prostate cancer risk. For instance, in one recent study of nearly 30,000 men, surveyed for over an eight-year period, men between the ages of 20 and 50 who had the most ejaculations also ended up with the lowest incidence of prostate cancer.

The theory is that an ejaculation helps to flush out unwanted potential cancer cells. When diagnosed with prostate cancer, a man should always get a second opinion. And, whenever possible, consider natural therapies before choosing surgery or radiation.

Lifelong impotence and incontinence are both fairly common side effects of these two medical treatments. And, since only one out of seven men diagnosed with prostate cancer dies from it, it makes good sense to consider all the alternatives.

Diet for a Healthy Prostate

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS) and the National Cancer Institute (NCI), whether or not a person gets cancer is closely related to their diet.

Both the ACS and the NCI recommend Americans eat a lot LESS red meat - particularly high fat and processed red meats - and a lot LESS high fat dairy. They also recommend eating a lot MORE omega 3 fish, such as toxin free wild salmon.

Studies have also proven that men and women who eat the MOST antioxidant rich, colorful fruits and vegetables have the LEAST incidence of all kinds of cancer, including prostate cancer and breast cancer, and the HIGHEST rate of survival.

For example, a man from Hong Kong eating a diet of fish, rice and vegetables has a 50% less risk of prostate cancer than a man from northern Europe eating a diet high in red meat and full fat dairy. And if either man does get prostate cancer, the one from Honk Kong, eating fish, rice and vegetables, is eight times more likely to survive.

This is why the ACS and NCI now recommend that Americans have cold water fish, at least 3 to 5 times a week, and nine servings of fresh fruits and vegetables daily.