Don't be afraid of the glove

  • Added:
    Nov 04, 2012
  • Article Views:
    2704
  • Word Count:
    548

Many men suffer from prostate cancer for many reasons. Most times avoiding the doctor and the procedure is the genesis of the problem. Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy in american men. After lung cancer, this disease is the leading cause of deaths. Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate gland of the male reproductive system. Most times there are very few signs in the way of prostate cancer. However, some men do experience urinary symptoms and discomfort. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, which is a tube that urine passes through when traveling from the bladder out of the body. Like many other forms of cancer, prostate cancers are slow growing, however, there are many cases of aggressive prostate cancers. When prostate cancer cells spread they usually attack the bones and lymph nodes. There are several important factors in determining the outcome of the disease. The age of the man, the extent that the cells have spread, and the response the cells have to the initial treatment. Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment of prostate cancer.

Some aggressive types of prostate cancer grow and spread more rapidly than others and can cause significant life shortening in men affected by them. The aggressiveness of the cancer is measured and determined by the Gleason score. If the cancer continues to advance it can also spread beyond the prostate it will compromise surrounding tissue. The exact cause of this disease is unknown, but professionals in the industry do not believe BPH is related. The chances of developing this disease insignificantly increases with age. This is why it's so rare in men under forty, while it is extremely probable for men age sixty-five and up. African-American men are more likely than white men to develop prostate cancer. Also, they are two to three times more likely to die from this disease. Studies show that these results are a result of living circumstances, diet, lifestyle, and health-conscious behavior rather than race or skin color. However, recent studies have shown a dramatic decrease in these numbers when subjects undergo full treatment. Genetics are pivotal to developing prostrate cancer. This type of cancer is much more prevalent in men who's family have a history of prostate cancer. Doctors say that the increase is almost two-three times higher than men without a history of the disease in their family. Testosterone is also a significant factor in developing and managing prostate cancer. The most pertinent fact is that decreasing testosterone levels is usually effective in inhibiting the growth of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer treatments options are surgery, chemotherapy, cryotherapy, hormonal therapy, and/or radiation. An overall cure unfortunately, is not available at this time. Palliative treatments by definition, are primarily used to slow the growth of the tumor and to relieve complications associated with this disease. Radical prostatectomy is a common form of surgical treatment for the prostate. The procedure requires the removing of the entire prostate gland. When confined to the prostate, this surgery has ninety percent success rate. Ultimately the choice of lifestyle is the most determining factor, assuming you are not compromised by family history. A choice has to be made in regards to eating and living habits, the choice will save you a lot of pain and suffering.

Author's Profile

George is an avid traveller that loves writing on all topics for Interesting Articles.


Please Rate this Article
Poor Excellent