Prostate cancer is a cancer that originates in the prostate gland and can spread to other parts of the body, causing difficulty urinating, pain, impotence, and blood in the urine. It is most common in men over 50, but can be diagnosed early with a rectal exam and PSA blood test. Risk factors include age, genetics, and diet, with low levels of vitamin E and D increasing risk. Regular intake of anti-inflammatory drugs and cholesterol-lowering drugs can reduce risk.
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland found within the male reproductive system. The role of the prostate gland is to produce and store seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is a form of cancer involving a growth that originates in the region of the prostate. It can start as cancer cells in the prostate area and spread to other parts of the body, including the bones and lymph nodes. If allowed to spread to this level, this cancer is fatal.
Most commonly in men over the age of 50, signs of prostate cancer include difficulty urinating, pain, mild impotence, and blood in the urine. During the early stages, however, there are usually no warning signs or symptoms. Fortunately, a doctor can easily diagnose this type of cancer during its early stages with a routine prostate checkup. This checkup consists of a rectal exam and a prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland turn into cancerous cells. The small amount of cancerous cells present in the prostate begin to multiply and eventually spread. These cells spread to the prostate tissue, where a tumor forms.
Many factors can increase a man’s risk of developing this type of cancer. Age is a factor, as is genetics. If a family member has or had it, another male relative is likely to develop it as well.
A man’s diet is another potential risk factor for prostate cancer. Lack of vitamin E, in particular, appears to increase the risk. Vitamin E is usually found in green vegetables, tomatoes and some seafood. Low blood levels of vitamin D can also lead to a higher risk of cancer.
On the other hand, regular intake of aspirin, ibuprofen and other anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Drugs aimed at lowering cholesterol levels have also shown promise in their ability to reduce risk.
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