Cancer Prevention: Prostate Cancer Is Preventable
To be diagnosed as having prostate cancer is more devastating for men than having the other kinds of cancer. The reaction could be due to the fact that prostate cancer is life-threatening and also because prostate cancer affects their basic physical characteristic as a man. Yet, prostate cancer has a high probability of being successfully treated if only it is diagnosed and treated at its early stage.
The prostate is the small, walnut-shaped male gland that produces seminal fluid. It can be found around the bladder and the urethra.. The seminal fluid is the fluid that transports the sperm. Prostate cancer is at a higher risk for men over 50 years of age. According to age brackets, the most number of prostate diagnosed in on men who are over 65 in age.
Aside from age, there are other risk factors such as:
1. Race - The occurrence of this type of cancer among African Americans is twice than that of white/Caucasian men . Among other races, it is interesting to note that among Japanese and Chinese males in Japan and China respectively, the rate of men affected is less than that of the United States . However, among Japanese or Chinese males living in the , US the incidence of prostate cancer have increased than the level in Japan.
2. Diet - There is a greater risk of prostate cancer in males with a high-fat and low-fiber diet
3. Environmental Factors - Higher rate of prostate cancer is observed among men who are exposed to the welding, battery manufacturing, and electroplating processes as well as those who have had sexually transmitted disease or a vasectomy.
4. Heredity - men who have family histories of contacting prostate cancer are three times more at risk in to have prostate cancer too.
At its early stage , prostate cancer do not exhibit any signs or symptoms. It is therefore a must for every male 50 years old and above to undergo an annual screening consisting of PSA (prostate-specific antigen ) blood test, digital rectal examination, other physical exams related to prostate cancer. However, if you experience any one or all of the following symptoms, you should immediately see a doctor.
1. Erectile malfunction
2. Blood traces in the urine or semen.
3. Painful or burning sensation during urination.
4. Less volume, weak or interrupted flow of urine.
5. Frequent or more than once urination at night.
If you feel or experience any one or all of the symptoms 1-5, don't panic. The cause could be just an enlarged prostate gland.
The key factors in preventing or reducing the risk of prostate cancer are the right diet and early detection. A low fat, high fiber diet affects the levels of testosterone and estradiol in circulation and consequently the onset of prostate cancer.
Another cancer preventive measure is to increase the intake of foods like soy products, in the diet. Soy provides additional isoflavone which inhibits the growth of prostate cancer. Just like the lycopene in tomatoes, and Vitamin E.