PROSTATE CANCER: Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. This is one of the most common types of cancer. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and are confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause serious harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly. An early dictated prostate cancer has the best chance for successful treatment.
Symptoms: Prostate cancer may cause no signs or symptoms in its early stages. While the more advanced ones may cause signs and symptoms such as:
- Trouble urinating
- Decreased force in the stream of urine
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the semen
- Bone pain
- Losing weight without trying
- Erectile dysfunction
CAUSES: It’s not clear what causes prostate cancer. However, doctors know that Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostrate develop changes in their DNA. The accumulated abnormal cells form a tumor that can grow to invade nearby tissue. In time, some abnormal cells can break away and spread (metastasize) to other body parts.
RISK FACTOR:
Older age. Your risk of prostate cancer increases as you age. It’s most common after age 50
Family history. If a blood relative, such as a parent, sibling, or child, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, your risk may be increased.
Complications of prostate cancer include cancer that spreads (metastasizes), incontinence, and Erectile dysfunction cancer that spreads (metastasizes).
SCREENING TESTS FOR PROSTATE CANCER: Screening test helps to show whether one has prostate cancer that requires more testing. This includes
Digital rectal exam: the use of a gloved, lubricated finger is been inserted into one’s rectum to feel the prostate gland. Bumps or hard areas may mean cancer.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: The prostate gland makes a protein called protein–specific antigen (PSA). High PSA levels may indicate cancer. Levels also rise if you have benign conditions such as Prostatitis.
DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR PROSTATE CANCER: Though not everyone with prostate cancer needs a definitive diagnosis, especially in a case where the tumor grows slowly, testing will be delayed because its treatment is not seriously needed. But if it grows fast or spreads additional tests will be needed including a BIOPSY needle biopsy, use of Imaging MRI, or transrectal ultrasound.
CONCLUSION.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer death among men in the world. Prostate cancer usually grows very slowly, and finding and treating it before symptoms occur may not improve men’s health or help them live longer.