Besides skin cancer, prostate cancer is America’s second most prevalent form of cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, more than 250 000 men get diagnosed with prostate cancer, and over 30,000 men die yearly. For that reason, regularly visit an El Centro men’s health specialist to enable early diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other common, severe health problems. You are more likely to heal and recover fully from prostate cancer treatment if prostate screenings detect the early-stage formation of cancerous cells.
The prostate is part of your male reproductive system, including the penis, testicles, and seminal vesicles. The prostate sits underneath the bladder and in front of the rectum. The work of the reproductive organ is to create and release a fluid that nourishes and transports seminal fluid, also knowns as sperm.
Common signs and symptoms of prostate cancer are a burning sensation or discomfort when ejaculating or urinating, sudden difficulty getting and keeping an erection, frequent urination at night, and blood in your urine or semen.
Causes of prostate cancer
Decades of clinical studies have not successfully unearthed the exact cause of prostate cancer. Research has also not determined the cause of other types of cancer like bladder cancer, colorectal cancer, ovarian cancer, and breast cancer.
However, studies show that you may have prostate cancer or other cancers due to various factors, including genetics and exposure to dangerous environmental chemicals and toxins. For example, you may have cancer if exposed to ionizing radiation. The intense energy of ionizing radiation damages and changes your genetic material, causing the appearance of cancerous cells, which grow in a manner that is uncontrollable and abnormal.
If the cancerous cells in your prostate continue growing aggressively, they may spread to other organs, including the liver, lymph nodes, and lungs. By the time prostate cancer metastasizes, it means it has entered its fourth and last stage.
Prostate cancer risk factors
You may be at high risk of prostate cancer depending on your age, family history, diet, and race. For example, as you get older, you are at more risk of prostate cancer, especially if you are between 75 to 79. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, only 1 in 10,000 men below 40 years will get prostate cancer. On the other hand, 1 in 30 men from their early 40s to late 50s can get prostate cancer.
The American Cancer Society reports that prostate cancer is not that prevalent among Latinos and Asians in America compared to African Americans.
Moreover, epidemiologic studies show that consuming a diet rich in calcium and saturated fats regularly may put you at a higher risk of prostate cancer. Therefore, avoid consuming red meat and milk products with high-fat concentrations. Frequently eat fruits, legumes, vegetables, and lean meats like chicken, turkey, or fish.
If your family also has a history of prostate cancer, you or your child also becomes at high risk of the condition because of inherited genes.
Contact Prabhdeep Singh, MD, FAC, today to schedule an appointment with a men’s health specialist.
