Prostate Cancer: Vital Information That Every Man Must Know

Understanding prostate cancer is essential due to its significant impact on men's health, the potential for early intervention to improve outcomes, and the challenges it presents.

Vital Information About Prostate Cancer That Every Man Must Know

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(By Dr. Ajay Gupta, Medical Oncologist, Apollo Hospital, Delhi)

In today's world, the risk of developing cancer has become more pronounced, driven by a combination of environmental factors and the widespread adulteration of food and consumer products. Industrial pollution, pesticide residues, and toxic chemicals in everyday items have introduced a myriad of carcinogens into our environment. These substances can damage DNA, disrupt hormonal balances, and create conditions that promote the development and progression of cancer. Additionally, the adulteration of food with harmful additives, preservatives, and contaminants further exacerbates this risk, as these substances can accumulate in the body over time, leading to chronic health issues and increasing the likelihood of cancer. 

Understanding prostate cancer is essential due to its significant impact on men's health, the potential for early intervention to improve outcomes, and the challenges it presents compared to other cancers.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. It can often develop silently without early symptoms, making regular screening and awareness critical. Understanding its causes, symptoms, diagnosis and preventive measures is required for managing and reducing the risk of this disease.

Risk Factors For Prostate Cancer:

• Age: Risk increases with age, particularly after 50.
• Family: Having a blood relative such as a grandfather, father, or brother who has had prostate cancer increases your chances of getting the disease as well.
• Diet and Lifestyle: Low intake of fruits and vegetables and high consumption of red meat and high-fat dairy items may increase the risk.
• Weight: Being overweight in your 50s has also been cited as a risk factor for getting prostate cancer. Thus, it is important to keep your weight under control with advancing age.

Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer: 

• In the early stages, prostate cancer does not cause any symptoms. However, in its advanced stages, an individual can experience the following signs and symptoms:
• Difficulty urinating
• Decreased force in the stream of urine
• Blood in the urine
• Blood in the semen
• Weight loss
• Bone pain
• Erectile dysfunction
• Urinating often, especially during nighttime
• Having trouble completely emptying the bladder
• Pain or burning during urination
• Painful ejaculation
• Loss of bowel control
• Pain in the chest, hip, or lower back.

Screening And Diagnosis:

If your doctor suspects prostate cancer, he may ask you to have the following tests.

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: 

It is a blood test that measures PSA levels. PSA is a protein produced by normal, as well as cancerous cells of the prostate gland. Elevated levels can indicate prostate cancer, but also other prostate conditions. Very high levels are considered alarming.

• Digital Rectal Exam:

In this, a doctor conducts a physical examination to feel the prostate through the rectum to detect abnormalities.

• Biopsy:

If PSA and DRE suggest cancer, a biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis. This involves taking a small tissue sample from the prostate.

• Imaging:

MRI, CT scans, and bone scans may be used to determine the cancer's extent and whether it has spread.

Prevention:

• Diet and Nutrition: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats and low in red meat and high-fat dairy products.
• Regular Exercise: Maintaining a healthy weight and engaging in regular physical activity.
• Regular Screening: Especially important for men with higher risk factors (Family history).

Knowledge about the risk factors, such as family history, race, and lifestyle choices, can help identify individuals at higher risk and promote preventive measures.

Increasing awareness and understanding of prostate cancer can help in making decisions about their health, engaging in proactive discussions with healthcare providers, and taking preventive measures that could potentially save lives through early detection and effective treatment.

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