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.
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.
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