Prostate cancer signs, symptoms and treatments

Statistics show that prostate cancer takes the lives of thousands of men every year. With 40,000 new cases reported annually, it is definitely a disease that every man should be concerned with. Yet, it is a disease that when caught early can be successfully treated providing a better chance for a long and fulfilling life.

To avoid falling victim to this disease that has already claimed so many lives, it is necessary to learn as much as you can about prostate cancer signs, symptoms, and treatments. The more you know the easier it will be to detect it early at a time when something can be done to combat its death dealing effects.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is a small, walnut sized gland located between the penis and the urethra. Its primary function is to produce the thick, white fluid that mixes with the sperm to create semen. Prostate cancer develops when the cell growth in the prostate begins to spiral out of control. If left untreated the condition could escalate to the point where death occurs once the growth spreads to other parts of the body.

There is good news though because most men can live long lives even after being diagnosed with prostate cancer but this usually occurs if it is caught early enough for an effective course of treatment to have time to take effect and prevent it from spreading.

Causes of Prostate Cancer:

Prostate cancer can be found in men of all ages. It is unclear what actually causes it. However, there is some evidence to show that in many cases it may just be a matter of genetics. Research has shown that men over the age of 50 and those of African or Caribbean descent tend to be at a higher risk of developing this type of cancer.

Other studies also show that the disease is more often found in men who are overweight than those who tend to keep their weight in the normal range. Other suspected causes could be poor eating habits or excessive alcohol or drug intake.

Identifying the Signs in Prostate Cancer Signs, Symptoms and Treatments:

Interestingly enough, there are no outright signs that indicate the early onset of prostate cancer. Usually, symptoms only begin to appear when the cancerous growth has gotten so large that it begins to push up against the urethra causing discomfort. This is why it is so important to get regular prostate cancer screenings in order to catch it early enough to begin a proper and effective course of treatment.

It is often the case that pressure against the urethra will trigger the first symptoms. One of the first prostate cancer signs, symptoms, and treatments is the pressing urge to urinate often. This could be evident by a sudden and urgent need to rush to the toilet at the first indication. However, once at the toilet, the individual may have to struggle to get a stream started or the flow is very weak. There may be little relief even after urination, leaving them feeling like they are unable to fully empty their bladder or taking an unusually long time to do so.

It is important to understand that these symptoms are not definitive proof that prostate cancer is the cause. There are several other conditions that can also affect the prostate that could also be responsible. The prostate gland naturally grows larger as men get older and as a result, it could simply be a natural occurrence for pressure to be on the urethra but many medical professionals do not rely on that assumption. They feel it is best to err on the side of caution rather than assume it is something else. Prostate cancer when left untreated could become very serious once it has spread to other parts of the body like the back, bones, or the testes. It is those cases that often end up taking the lives of so many men.

If you are having any symptoms that even remotely could be an indication of prostate cancer, it is imperative that you see a doctor as soon as possible so you can get your treatment started early.

The Treatment For Prostate Cancer Signs, Symptoms:

Depending on which stage of the cancer that a patient has, there are several treatment options. In the very early stages, there is little recommended to do. Your doctor may prescribe medication, surgery, or even radiology to slow down the growth or to shrink it. Medications prescribed have ranged from antidepressants to hormone therapy while the only surgical option available now is the complete removal of the prostate gland.

Regardless of the treatment taken they all come with the same unpleasant side effects, erectile dysfunction and/or urinary incontinence. Neither of these make surgery a favorable option and are often the reason why so many men opt to delay treatment even after diagnosis. Still, while the side effects are not pleasant, it is a small price to pay to save one’s life.

Prostate cancer is a serious condition but it is definitely survivable when caught early. While the tendency to put it off when the symptoms are not severe, one thing everyone must fully understand is that once the cancer has begun to spread to other parts of the body there is no treatment option that can stop its progression. So, understanding prostate cancer signs, symptoms, and treatments can be the very thing that can save a life. It is at that point that doctors focus all their treatments on improving the quality of life rather than combating the disease.

Prostate cancer is the number three killer of men around the globe taking the lives of many individuals every day. Still, there is a way to beat it if you are smart. By getting regular check-ups, starting treatment as early as possible, and trying to maintain better overall health, you may be one of those who would successfully beat the “Big C,” when it comes knocking on your door. One thing you can be absolutely certain about; if you ignore it there is no way you can beat it so the more you know about it the better prepared you are to fight and actually win the battle against prostate cancer.