Prostate cancer, the cancer of man, most commonly develops in males of age above 50 years.
Risk factors associated with prostate cancer are following:
Age: it is very rare to have prostate cancer for males below 40 years but the risk increases when the age is above 50years.
Family history of prostate cancer
Gene: mutation in BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 and HPC1 (Hereditary Prostate Cancer Gene 1)
Diet: high fat dairy products and red meat
Obesity
Infection: sexually transmitted disease caused by Chlamydia or gonorrhea.
Signs and symptoms are following:
Frequent urination
Increased urination at night
Difficulty in starting and maintain steady stream of urine
Blood in urine
Dysuria that is painful urination
Sexual dysfunction like erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation
If the cancer is advanced there may be symptoms of other affected organs like bone pain (often in vertebra, pelvis and ribs)
Diagnosis: Early detection is possible by screening test composed of digital rectal examination and PSA level that is Prostate Specific Antigen. However, these methods are not accurate but it may help for making decision of further investigations like biopsy that is the only confirmatory investigation of prostate cancer. Since it is invasive method, screening test is done first for suspected prostate cancer. Screening test is advised for all males above 50 years of age as much time cancer is asymptomatic and it becomes symptomatic at its advance stages.
Some medication like common pain killers like aspirin and ibuprofen or other non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can cause the screening test false negative. Because these drugs decrease the level of PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen), there is difficulty in making primary diagnose of prostate cancer and doubts for making further investigations. However, according to recent studies decreased level of PSA because of these medications doesn’t mean decreased risk of cancer of prostate.
Treatment of prostate cancer depends upon the age, duration of presentation of cancer and its staging. Different modalities of treatment include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, cryosurgery, etc.
If you like this post then please consider subscribing to my full feed RSS. You can also subscribe by Email and have new posts sent directly to your inbox.Your comments will be appreciated.
Common Pain Killers Can Mask Signs of Prostate Cancer
