Download Protecting Your Prostate

Healthcare Alert
Protecting Your Prostate
Prostatitis versus Prostate Cancer
By Connie Gee, MBA
Vice President of MedVision
The prostate gland is a walnut-sized gland found in men that is located below the bladder and in front of
the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine and semen exit the body. Its main
function is to produce seminal fluid so sperm can be transported through the urethra.
The prostate can become enlarged over time as a result of male hormones such as testosterone.
Because enlargement occurs over many years, it is considered a disease of older men. Most men are
unaware of the enlargement unless urination becomes a problem. There are other conditions that can
impact the health of the prostate gland with symptoms that are more pronounced.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland usually caused by a bacterial infection. The
condition can be acute if urine leaks into the prostate from the urethra or if exposed to sexually
transmitted organisms. Chronic prostatitis can be caused by an immune or nervous system disorder,
infection, pressure on the prostate from diseased tissue, traumatic injury, or stress. Prostatitis is the
most common prostate problem found in young and middle age men under age 50, with 10% of all men
experiencing this condition at some time in their lives. Untreated prostatitis can lead to the spread of
the infection into your blood system and infertility.
Causes and Risk Factors
Other causes of prostatitis include the following:
 Prior history of prostatitis or recent urinary tract infection
 Recent use of a urinary catheter or a recent urologic procedure
 Enlarged prostate gland
 Engaging in rectal intercourse
 Having a structural or functional urinary tract abnormality
 Dehydration (not enough fluids)
 Local pelvic trauma or injury such as from bicycle riding or horseback riding
Symptoms
Symptoms can appear rapidly and last several months. See your physician immediately if you have:
 Painful, difficult, and/or frequent urinating
 Blood in the urine
 Groin pain, rectal pain, abdominal pain, and/or low back pain
 Fever, chills, malaise, and body aches (flu like symptoms)
 Urethral discharge
 Painful ejaculation or sexual dysfunction
© Med-Vision LLC, Healthcare Alert |September 2014 | www.med-vision.com
Prostate Cancer
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In 2013, there were over 233,000 new cases of prostate cancer and over 29,000 deaths.
Prostate cancer is the 2nd most common cancer in men (behind skin cancer).
Prostate cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer death for men (behind lung cancer).
1 in 7 men will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime.
2/3 men diagnosed with prostate cancer are 65 years or older.
Causes and Risk Factors
Certain risk factors increase your chance of developing prostate cancer:
 Age: The majority of cases occur in men over 60 years of age.
 Race/ethnicity: Prostate cancer incidence and death is highest in African American men.
 Family History: Cancer in close relatives, including parents, siblings and children, puts you at an
increased risk for prostate cancer. The risk is highest for men who have a brother affected by
prostate cancer.
 Genetic Alterations: BRCA 1 & 2 genes increase prostate cancer risk. Men with this gene
mutation are more likely to have fast growing prostate cancer. Watchful waiting is not advised
in these cases. Treatment should be immediate.
 Lifestyle: Lack of physical exercise, both cardio and strength training increase your risks.
 Diet: A diet high in red meat, alcohol, or high-fat dairy and low in fruits and vegetables appear
to increase the risk of cancer.
 Medications: Some studies suggest statins used for lowering cholesterol increase risks.
 Obesity: Extra weight increases your risk of cancer, how fast it spreads AND fatal outcomes.
 Cadmium exposure: Some studies have linked a correlation between cadmium to prostate
cancer. Results are positive but inconclusive at this time.
If you have any of these risk factors, talk to your physician about when screening is appropriate.
Symptoms
Most men have no symptoms, but if you experience these symptoms, see your healthcare provider:
 Urinary problems, including inability to urinate, difficulty starting or stopping urine flow,
frequent urination, weak flow, or pain or burning during urination.
 Difficulty having an erection and painful ejaculation.
 Blood in the urine or semen.
 Frequent pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.
Advanced cancer symptoms may include bone pain in the spine, pelvis or ribs, leg weakness, and urinary
or fecal incontinency.
Screenings
Screenings allow for the early detection of cancer before symptoms occur. Prostate cancer can be found
early by testing the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) present in the blood and/or through a
digital rectal exam (DRE). If the results of either are abnormal, more testing is needed. Bone scans, CT
scans, and MRIs can determine how cancer has spread.
© Med-Vision LLC, Healthcare Alert |September 2014 | www.med-vision.com
Prevention
 Stay active: Physically active men have a reduced risk of prostate cancer. 150 minutes of
moderate-level activity OR 75 minutes of vigorous activity is recommended, though higher levels
have shown to be more helpful at reducing your risk. Pilot studies are looking at the effect of an
intensive therapy consisting of diet, exercise, meditation, and support group participation to see
if these things can alter gene behavior and change the progression of cancer.
 Nutritious diet: Several studies have shown a lower incidence of prostate cancer in men who
consume diets high in cruciferous vegetables, soy, beans, omega-3 fatty acid, and fish. Two and
a half cups of fruits and vegetables a day improves prostate health. Also, reducing your intake
of meats and animal fat can decrease your overall risk.
Working with Your Provider
If you’ve had cancer, periodic checkups are essential because of the risk of cancer occurring again. The
cancer may appear to be gone, but even one undetected cell that remains after treatment could grow.
You and your physician can develop a schedule of checkups and make a life plan to facilitate recovery
and reduce the chance of having cancer again. Learn as much as you can about your condition and what
options you have when it comes to treatment. Do not hesitate to seek a second opinion if you feel there
are other avenues to explore. While friends and family are essential when it comes to support, you may
also want to seek out a support group. Ask your local hospital what they have available or check the
local American Cancer Society to see what is available.
Prostate Exams Available at the Health and Wellness Centers
1. Go to www.CareHere.com
2. Click Members Only
3. Enter your username and password
4. Your Home Page will appear
5. Click Appointments to schedule or change appointments.
a. Standard health center days and hours will be displayed
b. A Calendar will appear
6. Click a valid health center day on the calendar
7. All appointment "slots" will appear
8. Click Make Appointment to schedule an appointment on your preferred time slot
a. A pop-up screen will appear (Make sure your computer permits "pop-ups." You may need to adjust
the size of the pop-up by clicking on the lower right corner and "dragging" the corner to change the
pop-up window size).
b. If you desire, enter Symptoms, reason for appointment, or comments
c. Click Print if you want a printed reminder copy of the appointment
9. Click Submit to save (the pop-up window will close automatically).
Copyright 2014, MedVision, LLC. All rights reserved. This packet may also contain information which is copyrighted
by others. The compiled information herein is being provided to Med-Vision’s clients as a convenience and for
informational purposes only; they do not constitute any endorsements or individual medical advice, diagnosis, or
treatment.
© Med-Vision LLC, Healthcare Alert |September 2014 | www.med-vision.com
Citations
American Cancer Society (2012). Prostate Cancer.
http://www.cancer.org/Cancer/ProstateCancer/DetailedGuide/index
Mayo Clinic (2013). Prostate Cancer. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prostate-cancer/DS00043
Medical News Today (2013). What is Prostate Cancer? What Causes Prostate Cancer?
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150086.php
National Cancer Institute (2012). Observation as Good as Surgery for Some Men with Prostate Cancer.
http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/summary/2012/prostate-observation0912
National Cancer Institute (2012). What You Need to Know about Prostate Cancer.
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/prostate/page1
U.S. National Library of Medicine
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15945511
Healthcare Alert Quiz
1. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.
□ True □ False
2. Risk factors for prostate cancer include
a)
b)
c)
d)
BRCA 1 or 2 mutation
Diet high in animal fats
Obesity
All the above increase your risk of prostate cancer
3. You have an average risk of prostate cancer. At what age
should you start discussing options with your doctor?
a) 40 years
b) 50 years
c) 60 years
© Med-Vision LLC, Healthcare Alert |September 2014 | www.med-vision.com