August 25, 2010
While more than 230,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, 90 percent of these cases are diagnosed before they spread.
Prostate cancer is generally a slow growing disease that can be cured if detected early, so it’s critical that men visit their physicians annually for screenings. Learning about various conditions that can affect the prostate and understanding their symptoms are additional crucial steps toward maintaining good health.
What is the prostate gland and what can go wrong?
Located just below the bladder, the prostate gland is involved in the production of semen and can affect urination. it is normally the size of a walnut and gradually grows after age 40 or 50. But when it becomes enlarged, it can cause varying degrees of symptoms.
Between the ages of 50 and 60, half of men will develop Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or an enlarged prostate. some symptoms can include the frequent need to urinate and an inability to completely empty the bladder. Treatment options encompass watchful waiting, drug therapy and a variety of surgical procedures, depending upon the severity of symptoms.
The most common prostate problem for men under 50, prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate. Treatment is based on the cause, which can include bacterial infection among others. Symptoms, such as a burning feeling during urination or frequent need to urinate, may also include fever or fatigue.
Prostate cancer can lie dormant for years without causing problems or being detected. As it progresses, symptoms can be the same as those for BPH or prostatitis, and may also include pain in the hips, thighs or lower back, and blood in the urine or semen.
Prostate cancer is difficult to detect early and becomes aggressive in its later stages, making annual screenings essential. Depending upon personal risk factor, men ages 45 to 50 should have an annual prostate-specific antigen test, which is a blood test and a digital exam. If prostate cancer is suspected, your doctor may order a prostate ultrasound and biopsy.
Are you at risk?
There are a few factors that can increase the odds of developing prostate cancer. these include:
• If two or three family members have had it, your chances increase five to 11 times. an immediate family member having prostate cancer doubles your chances.
• African-American men have the highest rate; it is at least twice that of white males.
• a low-fiber diet that is high in red meat and fats increases risk.
Additional factors include genetics, which account for 10 percent of cases, and the effect of past infections is questionable.
Dietary/nutritional measures
In addition to yearly screenings, there are some dietary changes you can make to help ensure a healthier prostate. to begin, you should also avoid high-fat foods and eat more lean meats and vegetables. Cooked tomatoes (think tomato sauce) are high in lycopene, which has been shown to lower the risk of prostate cancer by 36 percent.
Increasing Vitamin D levels by taking a supplement or by getting 15 minutes of sunlight per day, as well as taking a Vitamin E supplement, can decrease your chances of developing prostate cancer. Selenium, which is a trace mineral found in many vitamin supplements, may also help.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men – the role of annual screenings, taking preventive measures and paying attention to symptoms cannot be stressed enough. When the cancer is detected in its early stages, treatments such as radiation or surgery are extremely successful.
St. James Hospital provides the most advanced radiation therapies and surgery for prostate cancer.
SHAHROKH KAYHAN, M.D., F.a.C.S. IS a BOARD-CERTIFIED UROLOGIST AT ST. JAMES HOSPITAL AND HEALTH CENTERS. ST. JAMES IS a MEMBER OF THE SOUTHLAND HEALTH ALLIANCE.