Home Articles General Facts About Prostate Cancer

Advertisement

Polls

What kind of Insurance do you have?
 

Facts About Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a gland present in the reproductive system in men. It is about three centimeters long, and surrounds the urethra, at the neck of the bladder and in front of the rectum. As a man turns and passes fifty years old, this gland is susceptible to infection and to cancer. Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer in men in the United States, second only to lung cancer.

Causes

While researchers are still trying figure out what causes prostate cancer, they have identified a variety of factors with apparent correlations to the disease. Age is possibly the most common factor in risk for prostate cancer. Men over fifty are at greater risk for the disease than any other demographic. Heredity plays an important role in men's vulnerability to the disease. African American men are about 16% more likely to contract the disease than their Caucasian counterparts, and men whose fathers have had prostate cancer are considered high risk for contracting the disease themselves. Obese men and men who eat diets high in animal fats also have proven to be at higher risk for prostate cancer.

Symptoms

There are very few symptoms related to prostate cancer early in the development of the disease. However, as the cancer cells grow, and the prostate becomes enlarged, it squeezes the urethra, through which urine and semen must flow for discharge from the penis. For this reason, it will become difficult to urinate, and the urge to urinate will come more frequently, especially at night. There may be burning with urination or ejaculation, and there may be traces of blood in the urine and semen. Symptoms not related to the urethra include swelling of thighs, stiffness and a dull ache in the bones and joints around the pelvic area and lower back. Prostate cancer victims may experience weight loss, lack of appetite, and nausea and vomiting.

Treatment

Treatment option for prostate cancer will depend on the overall health and age of the patient, and whether the cancer has remained isolated to the tumor or if it has spread. If the tumor has grown beyond the edge of the prostate, the only treatment available is through hormones which will decrease the slow the growth of the tumor. If caught early enough, physicians may conduct a radical prostatectomy, which is a surgical procedure by which the prostate and the nearby lymph nodes are removed. Under some circumstances, other less invasive treatments are available, promising varying results.
 

Add comment


Security code
Refresh

Get a Penis Pump Today!

Encore Deluxe Kit

Get a Vacuum Erection Device at LITTLE or NO COST* for Medicare Beneficiaries!†

The cost of your Vacuum Therapy System may be covered by Medicare.†

Fill out this form or call 1-866-422-4866 to see if you qualify today.


First Name*

Enter first name
Last Name*

Enter last name
Phone*

Enter phone number
Email Address

Enter email address
Do you have Medicare*




Invalid Choice



By submitting this form I authorize North Coast Medical Supply to contact me by telephone. Please be assured that we value and protect your privacy. †For those who qualify. Co-Pays and Deductibles may apply.

Advertisement

*No cost Ed Pump offer applies to qualified Medicare beneficiaries and dependent upon enrollment. Co-Pays and Deductibles may apply. Restrictions Apply. The information on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your own physician or other health professional. You should not use the information contained on this site for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. You should read carefully all product packaging. You should consult with a health care professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem.