PROSTATE CANCER

The prostate is part of a man’s reproductive system .It is located in front of the rectum, under the bladder and surrounds the urethra ( through which the urine flows ). A healthy prostate is the size of a walnut. No one knows the exact causes of prostate cancer. Studies have found the following risk factors ;-
Age:
The main risk factor rare in men under 45 years
Family history:
Risk higher if father or brother had prostate cancer
Diet:
A diet high in animal fat or meat increase the risk
Other:
Smoking , obesity , lack of exercise
Screening
Screening helps the doctor to find and treat prostate cancer early .
There are 2 means of screening :-Rectal Examination –inserting a finger in the rectum the doctor feel the prostate for hard or lumpey areas .
Bloodtest-( PSA )bloodsample– is test for level of PSA or prostate-specific antigen .a high level can be caused by inflammation or cancer.

Signs and symptoms
In the beginning there may not be any signs and will only be pick up with screening .
Common symptoms
–Urinary problems –
Hard time starting or stopping urinary flow.
Need to urinate often especially at night
Weak flow of urine
Pain or burning sensation during urination
Difficulty having an erection
Blood in urine or semen
Frequent pain in lower back , hips or thighs .
Sometimes these symptoms can also be due to inflammation , but a doctor must be consulted .
Diagnosis
Rectal examination and bloodtest ( PSA )
Personal and family history
If something wrong:-
-Ultrasound ( sonar )
-Cystoscopy (look with tube into bladder and urethra)
-Transrectal biopsy – removal of tissue of prostate to look for cancer cells.If cancer is found the pathologist will examine the sample to report the grade of tumor – the grade tells how much it differs from normal cells. It suggests how fast the tumor is likely to grow.
Staging
To plan treatment the doctor needs to know the stage of the disease. Further test are done to see if cancer has spread:
Many treatment options ;differs from one person to another. Involve surgery, radiation or hormone therapy.
Local Therapy: Surgery and radiation. Remove and destroy cancer cells.
Systemic Therapy: Hormone therapy to control cancer that has spread. Supportive care is available to control pain and other symptoms.
Surgery: Prostatectomy – prostate and surrounding lymph nodes is removed. Transurethral resection of prostate doctor remove part of the prostate. May not remove all the cancer but removes tissue that blocks flow of urine
The time it takes to heal after surgery is different for each man. May be uncomfortable first few days but medicine for pain control is given. After surgery the urethra may need time to heel and you will have a catheter. Short term problems like incontinence may occur. Some men may become impotent
Care for Yourself
Important that men with prostate cancer take care of themselves: that includes eating well and staying active. Exercise help with reduction of pain, make treatment easier to handle, reduces stress
Follow up is important – doctor monitor recovery and check for recurrence of cancer.