What is Prostate Cancer?

Whether you are a man, woman, girl or boy, prostate cancer is an important topic that needs our attention because of the men in our lives. So, before you scroll to another article, take a few minutes to know about prostate cancer.

The prostate gland is located below the bladder, and in front of the rectum, it has the same size as the walnut, and it produces some of the fluid in sperm and plays a role in urine control in men; sadly, the prostate gland can be affected, when this happens, it becomes prostate cancer. Prostate cancer, however, is treatable when detected in the early stage. The American Cancer Society in 2017 stated that there would be around 161, 360 new diagnoses of prostate cancer and approximately 26,730 fatalities will happen because of prostate cancer.

It is mandatory to go for regular testing because prostate cancer needs to be diagnosed before metastasis.

Furthermore, prostate cancer is one of the common types of cancer in men, and it slowly grows initially confined to the prostate gland, and at this stage, it does not pose any threat. However, some types of prostate cancer are aggressive, and they can spread quickly. It is essential to go for test because early detection has a better chance of successful treatment.

What are the signs or symptoms of prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer may not show any signs or symptoms in its early stages; however, as it grows, it may cause the following signs and symptoms:
• Erectile dysfunction
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Bone pain
• Difficult in urinating
• Decreased force in the stream of urine
• Blood in the semen

When to see your doctor

First of all, as a man, you do not have to wait for signs or symptoms before you see a doctor concerning your prostate health, especially when cancer can go undetected at the early stage. However, if you do notice any signs or symptoms that bother you, you can make an appointment to see your doctor.

What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
Several risk factors that may predispose someone to prostate cancer, and some of them include the following:

Family history
Unfortunately, prostate cancer can run in families; for instance, a man whose father or uncle suffers has or had prostate cancer is twice as likely to develop prostate cancer. Moreover, the younger the family member is diagnosed with the disease; the higher the risk is for male relatives to develop prostate cancer. In addition, the risk of developing prostate cancer increases with the number of family members or relatives affected.

Genetic factors
Another risk factor for prostate cancer is mutations in a portion of the DNA known as the BRCA2 gene. This mutation can increase the risk of having prostate cancer and other cancers. Also, the mutation can affect the female family members but may result in developing breast or ovarian cancer. Although a few cases of prostate cancer can be directly connected to currently identifiable genetic changes. RNASEL, BRCA1, DNA mismatch genes, HPC1, and HoxB13 are inherited genes that can also increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Age
Over 60% of prostate cancer cases are detected in men over sixty-five years of age. Even though the disease is uncommon in men under 40, it is equally important to see your doctor.

Nationality
Prostate cancer is less common in Africa, Asia, and South and Central America, but it is dominant in Europe, particularly northwestern countries in Australia, Caribbean, Europe, and North America. Many factors, such as diet and lifestyle practiced in these places. Furthermore, high-fat diets and diets high in red meats and other fatty foods and low in fruits and vegetables seem to be connected to a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Besides, obesity, high intake of calcium and dairy foods may increase the chance of prostate cancer. Also, smoking can increase the risk of having prostate cancer.

Medical history
Some medical history, such as the history of sexually transmitted diseases, and prostatitis, which is the inflammation of the prostate, can increase the likelihood of prostate cancer. However, a history of vasectomy is not yet proven to play a role in prostate cancer.

Race
Race or ethnicity is one of the risk factors for prostate cancer; African-American men and Jamaican men of African ancestry are diagnosed with the disease more than men of other races and ethnicities. Also, Asia and Hispanic men are less likely to develop prostate cancer than other non-Hispanic white males.

Encourage Yourself In the Lord

What you can do about it?
Although we cannot choose the race, the family, ethnic, nationality, race or ethnic group we come from, we can still do something to prevent prostate cancer. For instance, living a healthy lifestyle, and encouraging our loved ones to do the same can save us many trips to the doctor’s office. Some of the foods that can prevent prostate cancer include carrots, broccoli, salmon, walnuts, Pomegranate juice, tomatoes, soy, berries and Brazil nuts.