Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer can occur in any man, but there are certain "risk groups." Younger African American men appear to have twice the risk and fatalities of Caucasians. Sadly, many are diagnosed before they reach the age of 50. Another risk group is men who have a family history of prostate cancer, placing them in the same group who may contract the disease before the age of 50. The only method to determine whether you are at risk for prostate cancer is diagnostic testing. The earlier you are screened the higher your chances of survival. Again, it can't be stressed enough, early detection is imperative in combating prostate cancer. The challenge is that in the early stages there are no symptoms of prostate cancer. By the time symptoms appear in the form of urinary complications, the cancer has spread beyond the prostate. SURVIVING PROSTATE CANCER Chances for survival from prostate cancer are dependent on many different factors. Obviously, early diagnosis is the best case scenario. Nip it when it is still in State I or Stage II with a Gleason Score of less than seven and you are looking at optimum results using any of these three treatment options watchful waiting, surgery or radiation therapy. For a man who is over 70 there is a strong possibility that he might die of other natural causes rather than prostate cancer. The fact is that many men with localized Stage I or II prostate cancer ARE much more likely to die of something other than the cancer itself. If a man with localized prostate cancer decides to take the Watchful Waiting treatment option, there is a 19% chance of metastases developing in his next 10 years For men with Stage III prostate cancer, the prognosis is 50-50 that the cancer will progress in the next 10 years and result in death. Stage IV prostate cancer is called metastatic prostate cancer and the most widely used treatment is hormonal which might stave off the disease for another two to three years. The likelihood of fatality within 10 years is very high.
DID YOU KNOW?
All prostate cancer patients should include weight management as a part of their overall strategy. Weight management, an active lifestyle, and a balanced diet are all interconnected anyway. If you are reasonably active and eat a variety of foods, especially fruits and vegetables, you are less likely to become sick. Whether we are talking about the common cold or cancer, individuals who exercise more and eat the right foods are at a decided advantage.
