Prostate cancer is a significant health concern for men, being the second most common cancer. Unfortunately, there are currently no proven methods for preventing it.
Nevertheless, there are steps that men can take to potentially reduce their risk of developing it.
Maintaining a healthy diet, maintaining moderate body weight, and getting regular exercise can all play crucial roles in lowering the risk of prostate cancer.
Many risk factors, such as age, race, and family history, can’t be controlled. However, having any of these risk factors does not necessarily mean that you will develop the disease.
Still, it is recommended to talk to your doctor or visit any reputable medical diagnostic center near you to get checked.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Cancer occurs when cells in the body divide without control and manifest as abnormal growths. However, prostate cancer is a serious disease that happens to males when cells in the prostate gland start to grow uncontrollably.
If left untreated, it can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening. However, early detection is vital when it comes to prostate cancer.
Luckily, most cases are diagnosed before the cancer has a chance to spread beyond the prostate gland.
About the Prostate Gland
The prostate gland is an organ about the size of a walnut situated below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men and individuals assigned male at birth (AMAB).
It also plays a vital role in the male reproductive system and is made up of connective and glandular tissues. The gland adds fluid to semen and helps push it out through the urethra.
With age, the prostate typically enlarges, which can narrow the urethra and decrease urine flow. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and is different from prostate cancer.
Men may also experience other noncancerous prostate changes.
The prostate gland is an important part of male sexual reproduction. However, undergoing treatment may have an impact on fertility.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
In its early stages, there are usually no symptoms, but cancer can be detected through screening.
Screening involves a test that measures the levels of PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) in the blood. High PSA levels indicate that cancer may be present.
Symptoms can vary from person to person, and some men may not experience any symptoms at all.
However, it’s important to see your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
- Inability to control the bladder (urinary incontinence).
- Difficulty starting to urinate
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Weightloss
- Loss of bowel control (fecal incontinence).
- Frequent need to urinate, especially at night ]
- Tiredness
- Trouble emptying the bladder completely
- Pain or burning sensation during urination (dysuria)
- Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in the urine or semen (hematospermia)
Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer
It is a fact that every man is at risk of developing prostate cancer. However, there are certain factors that undeniably raise a person’s risk of developing this disease.
- Eating habits: Consuming a diet that is abundant in red meat, calcium, and high-fat dairy products unequivocally elevates the risk of prostate cancer, even though research on this topic is limited.
- Age: If you are over 40 years old, the chances of being diagnosed with prostate cancer are significantly higher. In fact, around 60% of all cases of this cancer are found in individuals aged 55 or older.
- Obesity: Some research shows that men who are overweight may have a greater chance of having more advanced prostate cancer.
- Inherited gene changes: Certain inherited gene changes can increase the risk of prostate cancer. These gene changes include Lynch Syndrome and BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
- Race: Black men of African ancestry are diagnosed with prostate cancer more than men of different races.
- Family history: If you have a close family member who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, then you may be at higher risk of developing the condition yourself.
- Other risk factors include: smoking, exposure to Agent Orange, sexually transmitted infections, alcohol consumption, and lastly, inflammation of the prostate
Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
Catch prostate cancer early through accurate diagnosis.
Although there are no standard or routine screening tests available for this condition, healthcare professionals rely on a variety of methods to identify and diagnose it.
Some of the tests currently being used for screening purposes include:
1. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
The PSA blood test is a reliable method of measuring the amount of protein or prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood.
This antigen is present in both cancerous and noncancerous prostate tissue. However, consistently high levels of PSA may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
2. Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a quick and simple procedure that helps doctors and nurses check for any potential issues with the prostate gland.
During the exam, a healthcare professional inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the lower part of the rectum to feel for any abnormalities or lumps.
3. Multiparametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mpMRI)
The multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) is a highly advanced MRI scan that provides a much more detailed and accurate image of the prostate gland than a standard MRI scan.
It is also recommended by doctors when they strongly suspect the presence of prostate cancer in a patient.
4. Prostate Needle Biopsy
In some cases, men may need to consider getting a prostate biopsy, particularly if their initial PSA level is high.
A biopsy involves using a thin, hollow needle to extract small samples of the prostate gland to examine them under a microscope.
5. Transrectal Ultrasound
Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), also called endorectal ultrasound, is a procedure that uses sound waves to create a video image of the prostate gland.
A lubricated probe is inserted into the rectum, releasing sound waves that create echoes as they enter the prostate, and it takes only 5 to 15 minutes.
It is important to discuss the pros and cons of each screening test with your healthcare provider to make an informed decision about which one is right for you.
How to prevent prostate cancer
Here are some practices that can be followed to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer:
a) Eat Vegetables and Fruits
The consumption of red fruits and dark green vegetables, rich in vitamins and nutrients, may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer due to the presence of lycopene, a potent antioxidant.
Also, citrus fruits such as oranges, limes, tangerines, grapes, and lemons are highly recommended.
b) Eat more fish and consume less animal fat
Eating more fish can lower prostate cancer risk due to omega-3 fatty acids.
c) Take more Coffee, Green tea and Soybeans
You may consider consuming more coffee, soybeans, and green tea as they are known to help in reducing the risk of cancer.
d) Exercise Regularly
Engaging in regular exercise for at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week can help reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer.
e) Increase Your Vitamin D
Consuming Vitamin D-rich foods, such as cod liver oil, wild salmon, and dried shiitake mushrooms, can help prevent prostate cancer.
However, since the sun is a better and more readily available source of vitamin D, experts recommend getting at least 10 minutes of sun exposure daily, without the use of sunscreen.
f) Stop smoking
Quitting smoking is a great decision for your health and well-being. It also reduces the risk of cancer.
g) Maintain a healthy weight
If you are overweight or obese, it is recommended that you work towards losing weight by reducing your daily calorie intake.
h) Watch out for symptoms and Visit a Reputable Diagnostic Center for Screening
It is important to visit your doctor if you experience any symptoms. Those above 40 are encouraged to go for a PSA test at least once a year.
Early detection of prostate cancer increases the chances of successful treatment.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer is a disease that is more likely to affect older men. This means that as you age, your chances of developing it increase.
Your race and genetics also play a significant role in determining your risk. For instance, if you are black, you are twice as likely to develop this cancer compared to white men.
Also, if any of your blood relatives, including your father or brother, had prostate cancer, your likelihood of getting it is also higher.
Although it may be difficult to prevent if you have these risk factors, regular screening can help ensure that if you do develop cancer, it’s diagnosed and treated promptly.
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