What is Prostate Cancer?
One of the more common types of cancer, prostate cancer is typically a slow-spreading cell growth that stays confined to the walnut-shaped prostate gland. While some types of prostate cancer grow more slowly and need minimal treatment, this type can normally spread quickly and aggressively, which increases the need for immediate treatment.
Some symptoms are as follows:
- Losing weight without trying
- High levels of PSA (identified via a PSA test)
- Trouble initiating urination
- Reduced urine flow while urinating
- Pain in the bones
- Erectile dysfunction (trouble producing an adequate erection)
- Blood in the urine or semen
Possible causes of prostate cancer
- Aging (ages 55-69 should be regularly screened)
- being of African American descent
- family history
- Diet that overindulges in certain food groups (saturated fats, sugar, and red meat)
- obesity
Cases of prostate cancer that are identified and treated early have an increased chance for successful treatment and will allow the patient to resume normal life activities sooner.