PROSTATE CANCER
This year, nearly 200,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in America, and nearly 30,000 deaths in 2009 will be attributable to this disease. Let’s look more closely at this significant male problem.
What is prostate cancer? The prostate is a male reproductive gland located in front of the bladder that controls the urinary stream. This gland may develop cancer in the tissue, particularly in older men, because as a person ages the gland becomes enlarged as cells multiply. This can lead to difficulty with urination and cause other urinary problems. At the same time, the replication of tissue places one at risk for cancer.
Risk factors include being male, over the age of 50, and being of African American descent. It has also been shown that diets high in fat and the use of performance enhancing steroids, such as testosterone, will increase one’s risk.
What should I do? If you any difficulty urinating, find that you urinate frequently, experience burning, see blood, or have trouble emptying your bladder see your health care provider.
Over the age of 50, a digital rectal exam and a blood test for prostatic specific antigen (PSA) should be completed. These examinations help to detect prostate cancer in its early stages. If further testing is required, an ultrasound x-ray of the prostate or sampling of the tissue (biopsy) may be ordered.
If it is determined a person has prostate cancer further testing is conducted to see if the cancer has spread. These tests involve x-ray and blood sampling. An urologist and an oncologist will then manage the patient’s treatment.
What is the treatment? A variety of treatment regimens are available depending on the size and extent of the cancer. They may include chemotherapy, external beam radiation, radioactive seed implants, or surgical removal. Since this cancer is very slow growing, treatment is sometimes not elected for very elderly men.
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to fighting this disease. Thus, be sure to see your physician on an annual basis to have your prostate routinely examined. And if you experience any of the above symptoms, see your health care provider now.
