Awareness for Prostate Cancer

Author: Pinky Sharma

A recent study published in the Atlanta Journal reveals that after the age of 60 years, 1 in every 6 men suffers from prostate cancer. While, in Mumbai, a survey carried out by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information and Tata Memorial Hospital backed the figures. A study on 1000 patients was carried out successfully and the results showed that the prevalence of men suffering from this type of cancer is similar among all the age groups. 

Though men above 60 are more susceptible to this, however those below 60 and above 60 both have equal chances of survival. It is now considered as the 4th common type of cancer prior which it was at 9th position. Also, it is the 2nd common type of cancer among men after skin cancer.

Prostate is a walnut-shaped gland situated between the bladder and rectum in the males. Its function is to secrete a milky fluid that comprises of semen (30%) besides other fluids. It is thus, an endocrine gland. There are two types of tumors associated with the gland. After a certain age, usually after 60, the prostate gland of the men starts to grow in this size. This condition is referred to as the prostatic hyperplasia. This is, however, benign and does not cause cancer.

In the early stages, the tumor does not cause any visible effect on the body. Many tumors grow away from the urethra and thus the effects depend mainly on the effect it has on the urethra. Small tumors generally do not put much pressure on the urethra and so any visible effects are seldom seen. Both non-cancerous and cancerous show same symptoms of growth in the prostate which are-

• Frequent need to urinate which is sometimes accompanied by pain.
• Frequency increases at the night to urinate
• A feel of incomplete urination in the bladder
• Employing methods like starting and stopping and straining to urinate

Non-cancerous symptoms usually are- very rare pain and blood in semen or urine. The cancer of the prostate gland grows gradually over a time. Especially in older men, this condition may get worse during the years if not treated properly. The cancerous cells may spread to other parts of the body like the bones and cause symptoms like pain in the back, hip, pelvis and other areas that contain bone. Some older men may face a difficulty in erection as well.   Lifestyle matters a lotSedentary living and other factors like pollution, improper eating habits, and stress are also related to prostate cancer. The doctors would always advise to live a healthy lifestyle with a proper diet and daily exercise. Cancers are also heredity that is it can pass from one generation to another. However, the probably still depends!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/awareness-for-prostate-cancer-7164957.html

About the Author

Well hi! Since you have taken up the initiative of knowing me, let me help you out. I belong to the city of dreams Mumbai.  I am blessed with this disease of being passionate about literature. My only panacea to this is writing and reading. Wait but! I thoroughly enjoy travelling and learning cultures. Socializing is what I rely on & solitude is not my cup of tea. I believe in women empowerment and beware you corrupts, I am a feminist. I truly believe that being a youth we can bring a great change in the society. I feel, rather than criticizing the world, why not get up and act? This is all what I am simple but full of vigour to do something good for the society. We all can in fact!