Prostate Cancer FAQ
An estimated 17 percent of all males in the world will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at one point of their life or another. Therefore, it is very important that men be aware of the disease and its effects. This article will furnish you with the basic information about prostate cancer. 1. What is the prostate? The prostate is a male gland; it can only be found in men. It is located underneath the bladder. It is wrapped around the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the bladder. The prostate is the gland that produces the fluid that mixes with sperm at time of ejaculation. 2. What is prostate cancer? Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects the prostate. It is commonly found among men over 60. Statistics show that 1 in 7 men over this age will likely be diagnosed with the disease. While painful, most prostate cancers do not kill. Most patients will die before the symptoms fully develop, due to other causes. 3. What are the symptoms? A variety of symptoms accompany prostate cancer, such as urinary incontinence, passing urine excessively, weak or interrupted urine flow, blood in the urine, and even persistent pain in the hips, the upper thighs, and the lower back. Note that these symptoms may also indicate other illnesses of the reproductive system. Whenever possible, professional advice must be sought. 4. What causes prostate cancer? The medical establishment is still not sure about the direct cause of prostate cancer. There are several possible culprits, such as excessive exposure to high levels of radiation. Genetics plays a significant role. Up to 10 percent of cases run in families. If you have a close male relative with prostate cancer, you are up to four times likelier to be diagnosed with the disease yourself. 5. Who are most at risk? The rate of risk increases dramatically after the age of sixty. Fully fifty percent of prostate cancer cases come after the age of seventy-five. As mentioned before, those with relatives with the disease are also at a greater danger of developing the cancer themselves. 6. What is the role of diet in prostate cancer? Some studies show that a high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet may help contribute to prostate cancer. Conversely, diets that are low in fat may help reduce the risk. Research has shown that diets wherein tomatoes and cruciferous vegetables are consumed regularly show lower risk rates. (Cruciferous vegetables include cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and brussel sprouts.) Isoflavones found in soy and polyphenols found in green tea and read wine are generally considered beneficial, as are Vitamin E and selenium. 7. How can prostate cancer be prevented? Because the direct cause of prostate cancer is not known, preventing the disease is a tricky proposition. However, consuming foods mentioned in the preceding paragraph may be beneficial. Studies indicate that the following consumption minimums may help prevent the development and progress of prostate cancer: Two servings of tomato-based products a week; Five servings of cruciferous vegetables a week; Ten cups of green tea a day; A cup of red wine a day; and 200 micrograms of selenium a day.
