Prostate Cancer - The Basic Facts
Prostate Cancer has unfortunately presented itself as one
of the most common male cancers within the western world.
There is much information about the disease on the Internet
- some helpful - some less so.
It is therefore essential that the patient seeks out the
facts and is regular contact with their doctor
What is it?
The Prostate, or sex gland as it is often termed, is
actually one of the more unusual aspects of the male
reproductive system.
The Prostate is essentially responsible for producing the
sperm nourishing prostatic fluid found in semen. Cancer of
the prostate gland develops when cells in the area begin
to multiply at an uncontrollable rate.
Although in its early stages, it presents minimal
complications, this slow growing cancer does need to be
treated before it spreads to the bones located outside the
prostate.
Who is affected?
Relatively little is actually known about the gland,
although we do know that Prostate Cancer is the most
common cause of cancer in men. It is responsible for a huge
25% of newly diagnosed cases of cancer in England and Wales.
It is actually more common in men aged over 65 and in men
from an African Caribbean or African descent. Within the UK
prostate cancer is responsible for the death of
approximately 9,000 men every year.
What are the symptoms?
Most men with early prostate cancer will actually exhibit
little or no symptoms.
However, if you do experience any of the following symptoms
it is important that you visit your Doctor.
• Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
• Having to rush to the toilet, so that you may even leak
urine at times
• A difficulty in attempting to pass urine.
• A weak urine flow
• Dribbling when urinating
• Pain when passing urine.
• New pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis
What causes it?
There is actually no single cause that can be identified
for the onset of this disease. However there are risk
factors that can affect the genetic material of prostate
cells and encourage subsequent cancerous activity.
Whilst factors such as age, ethnic group, and family
history are sadly impossible to control, cancer specialist
have noted that a diet high in diary products and red meat
can increase the risk of developing the condition.
* How is it treated?
Following your Doctor making a referral to a multi
Disciplinary Team ( MDT) an assessment will be undertaken
to establish whether the cancer is localised (i.e. only
affecting the prostate), or in an advanced stage (the
cancer has moved outside the prostate)
Treatments that can be utilised for localised Prostate
Cancer can include one or more of the following:
• Active Surveillance – where the state of the cancer is
closely observed and treatment is only commenced if
absolutely necessary.
External Beam radiotherapy – here radiation is used to kill
cancer cells.
• Radical Prostatectomy - where the prostate is removed.
• Brachytherapy – here radioactive seeds are implanted into
the prostate.
• High Dose Rate Brachytherapy – here temporary sources of
radiation are targeted on a daily basis at the prostate.
If the cancer is locally advanced or advanced, you may
alternatively be offered hormone therapy, radiotherapy and
chemotherapy. At this point, it is actually no longer
possible to actually cure the disease.
Instead treatments are aimed at the prolonging of life and
relieving of symptoms.
* What are the likely side effects of Treatment?
Prostate Cancer Treatment is unfortunately often
uncomfortable mainly due to the side effects experienced by
patients. Post surgical effects can include urinary
incontinence and sexual dysfunction, while radio and
chemotherapy can cause tiredness, nausea and hair loss.
These are important considerations but are put in context
by the possibility of a greater return – that vitally
important all clear diagnosis!
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Next - For more free essential information, advice and
suggested resources on Prostate Cancer Treatments head over
to:
http://www.prostatenews.co.uk/
Tags: Prostate Cancer Facts
