Prostate Cancer: Who's At Risk?

Author: Richard H Ealom

Introduction

Prostate cancer is cancer of the small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid, the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. It is also the second most common type of cancer among men in this country and is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages. Prostate cancer usually occurs in older men and is rarely found in men younger than 40. It occurs in 1 out of 6 men and when confined to the gland often is treated successfully.

Risk

All men are at risk for developing prostate cancer. Besides being male, there are other factors, such as age,race, and family history that may contribute to the risk. Men at higher risk include African-America men older than 60,farmers, tire plant workers, painters, and men exposed to cadmium. The risk for developing it rises significantly with age, and 60% of newly diagnosed cases occur in men over the age of 70. The greatest risk factor is age. This risk increases significantly after the age of 50 in white men who have no family history of the disease and after the age of 40 in black men and men who have a close relative with with the disease. Having a brother with prostate cancer appears to increase your risk more than having an affected father does. That risk is even higher when there are multiple family members affected.

Symptoms

Symptoms may include Problems passing urine, such as pain, difficulty starting or stopping the stream, or dribbling,Low back pain,Pain with ejaculation. Many men with prostate cancer experience no symptoms; the first indication that they may have the disease is often an abnormal finding on a routine screening exam. Symptoms are more likely to appear as the cancer grows.

Treatment

Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or control of hormones that affect the cancer. Treatment often depends on the stage of the cancer. The appropriate treatment is often controversial. Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of all treatment options. Chemotherapy is often used to treat prostate cancers that are resistant to hormonal treatments. Removal of prostate gland (radical prostatectomy) is often recommended for treatment of stages A and B.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75 years old. Often there are no symptoms in its early stages. Prostate cancer that has spread may be treated with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the testes, or chemotherapy.





About the author:
Richard H. Ealom is the Author of this article and the creator of "Free Articles On Diseases: How To Prevent and Cure Them" website. 93 Disease specific websites with extensive information on Alternative and Orthodox methods and products to increase your understanding of treatment and curing diseases.Please visit http://rainydrops.com/alternative-orthodox.php