Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a small donut-shaped gland in the male reproductive system, that surrounds the urethra where it leaves the bladder.

The prostate produces an alkaline substance which makes up the largest part of the seminal reproductive fluid.

From around age 45, the volume of cells in the prostate gland generally starts to increase. This is a non-cancerous process known as benign prostatic hyperplasia [ BPH].

In some men, the prostate gland grows large without causing problems with passing urine. This may be because their urethra is wider than average, or because the gland tends to enlarge outward.

In many other men, however, enlargement of the prostate gland squeezes the urethra to interfere with urinary flow. This can lead to urological symptoms such as difficulty when starting to urinate, dribbling after urinating, and/or the bladder may feel full even after urinating.

While aging contributes to an enlarged prostate gland, hormone imbalance may play a role. Testosterone is converted in prostate cells into a more powerful male hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is responsible for triggering the division of prostate cells in increasing numbers. Levels of DHT are known to be 5 times higher in enlarged prostate glands than in those of normal size.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer develops when cells of the prostate mutate and multiply out of control.

Prostate cancer is first detected through symptoms such as pain, difficulty in urinating, and erectile dysfunction.

Cancer cells maymetastasize from the prostate to other parts of the body, especially the bones and lymph nodes.

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer develops most frequently in men over fifty, and is least common among Asian men and most common among black men.

Prostate cancer is only second to lung cancer in the male deaths from cancer.

Genetics and diet, are thought to be the most prevalent amongst the many factors leading to the development of prostate cancer.

Video - Prostate Cancer Overview

Diagnosis

According to numerous studies, more than half of all men over 50 years of age suffer from an enlarged prostate and its symptoms. As men age, up to 80% will suffer from uncomfortable symptoms that may include difficulty urinating, increased frequency and urgency of urination, bouts with sleep-disturbing nighttime urination and painful lower backache.

Many men who develop prostate cancer never have any symptoms, undergo no therapy, and eventually die of other causes.

Prostate cancer is most often discovered by physical examination or by screening blood tests, such as the PSA (prostate specific antigen) test.

NOTE: PSA tests can vary significantly day to day and can skyrocket with other illnesses such as flu.

Suspected prostate cancer is typically confirmed by removing a piece of the prostate (biopsy) and examining it under a microscope. Further tests, such as X-rays and bone scans, may be performed to determine whether prostate cancer has spread.

Video - Prostate Cancer & PSA Tests

A discussion on psa tests and new drug Provenge used for treatment of prostate cancer. [7:50] This video also includes other cancer diagnosis and treatments other than prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Prevention

Prostate cancer prevention is a combination of:

1. Maintaining hormonal balance
2. Prostate supporting nutrition
3. Lifestyle choices

Lifestyle Choices

Not smoking and avoiding excessive alcholol help maintain a healthy prostate. So too does regular ejaculation. Research has shown that regular [more than five times per week] masturbation can cut the risk of prostate cancer by up to 66%. This is because regular ejaculation reduces the buildup of carcinogenic deposits in sperm which can damage the cells lining the prostate.

NEXT: Prostate Cancer Treatment

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