Prostate cancer is the most frequent type of cancer among males, with over 40,000 men diagnosed each year in the United Kingdom. However, because the symptoms develop slowly, they are difficult to notice. When a guy has trouble peeing or the frequency with which he needs to urinate varies, this is usually the first indicator of cancer. These are not usually indicators of prostate cancer, but if a man has any of these symptoms, he should see his doctor for a check-up. The following are ten prostate cancer facts that every guy should be aware of.
1. What type of man is most at risk?
Prostate cancer is caused by a variety of factors that are unclear. It can affect men of any age, but older men are more likely to be affected. It is more common among African and Afro-Caribbean men than in Asian men, though the reasons behind this are unknown. People with a history of cancer in their fathers or brothers are statistically more at risk.
2. What is the prostate gland for?
The prostate gland is around the size of a walnut. Its job is to produce the fluid that is ejaculated with the sperm in semen. It is located between the bladder and the penis. The purpose of this fluid is to nourish and protect the sperm.
3. What age groups is it most common in?
It is most frequent in men over the age of 65, and it is extremely uncommon in men under the age of 40. Although the condition is quite frequent, it is not necessarily fatal. Most prostate cancers develop slowly, and autopsies revealed that 75 percent of men over 75 who died of causes other than cancer had the disease.
4. How do they test for prostate cancer?
A physical rectal examination is the most common initial test. Following that, a blood test known as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test can be performed. However, the blood test can be deceiving because there are other causes of elevated PSA levels.
5. It does not always need to be treated:
Because many types of prostate cancer progress slowly, it is not necessarily necessary to treat them right away. Men may choose to forego early treatment in exchange for close monitoring in some instances. Active surveillance is the term for this.
6. Why are men not screened for prostate cancer?
The usefulness of routine prostate cancer screening in males is still up for dispute. Early detection makes treatment easier, but because the tests aren't 100 percent accurate, routine screening may result in unneeded surgical procedures being performed on some men.
7. How can you protect yourself against prostate cancer?
It is more common among obese males who eat a bad diet and do not exercise regularly. It's also more common among meat eaters than among vegetarians. The greatest advice, like with most malignancies, is to stay fit and eat a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
8. Prostate cancer is survivable:
Prostate cancer, like many other types of cancer, is not always fatal, thanks to contemporary treatment approaches and the fact that it develops slowly. It is entirely possible to live with cancer for many years without experiencing any symptoms.
9. How do they treat it?
Treatment is often best postponed, but when cancer threatens to spread to other parts of the body, options include radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and surgical removal of the prostate gland.
10. Always see a doctor if you are unsure:
If you're having trouble urinating or feel the need to urinate more frequently, see your doctor for a check-up. While men can survive with prostate cancer for many years, if you have it, you will need to be regularly examined, even if no additional treatment is required right away.