Download Chapter 23: Cancer

Chapter 23: Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Brought to you by:
Dusty R. Embery
Prostate Cancer
Definitions
- Prostate
- Prostate Cancer
Causes
Symptoms
Signs and Tests
Statistics
Definitions
The Prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system
located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds part of the
urethra. The prostate produces fluid that makes up part of
semen.
Prostate Cancer suggests a malignant tumor growth on the
Prostate Gland, malignant meaning cancerous abnormality.
A high fraction of the cancer cell can grow and divide
rapidly. They can invade surrounding tissues and set up
areas of proliferation (cell multiplication) away from the
original site.
This spread of tumors and establishments of secondary
growth is called metastasis.
Causes
Though the cause of Prostate Cancer is
unknown, some studies have shown that
there is a relationship between the cancer
and high dietary fat intake as well as
increased testosterone levels. It has been
shown that when testosterone levels are
lowered either by surgical removal of the
testicles or by medication, prostate cancer
can regress. Of course this is not a dead
lock, but it is a start.
Symptoms
Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
Urinating often (especially at night).
Difficulty urinating or holding back urine.
Inability to urinate.
Pain or burning when urinating.
Blood in the urine or semen.
Nagging pain in the back, hips, or pelvis.
Signs and Tests
The biggest give away in relations to a
man having Prostate Cancer is revealed
upon examination from a doctor. This
rectal exam (in regards to a positive sign
for Prostate Cancer), often reveals a hard,
irregular surface of an enlarged prostate.
Upon discovering this hard irregular
surface, a doctor will probably suggest a
series of tests that will either eliminate the
possibility of Prostate Cancer, or confirm
that the patient indeed has Prostate
Cancer.
Signs and Tests (continued)
A list of tests are as follows:
PSA (prostate specific antigen).
Free PSA.
Urinalysis.
Urine or prostatic fluid cytology.
Prostate biopsy.
CT scans.
Bone scans.
Chest X-ray.
AMACR.
Statistics
Prostate Cancer is the single most common form
of non-skin cancer in men in the United States.
It is the third most common cause of death from
cancer in men of all ages, and is the most
common cause of death from cancer in men over
75 years old.
More than 70% of all prostate cancers are
diagnosed in men over the age of 65, but rarely
found in men younger than 40.
More than 30,000 American men lose their lives
to prostate cancer each year. That is ONE DEATH
EVERY TWENTY MINUTES!
In the next 24 hours, prostate cancer will claim
the lives of over 80 American men.
Statistics (continued)
Prostate cancer incidence rates increased
192% between 1973 and 1992.
In the year 2003, this year, an estimated
220,900 men will have been diagnosed
with prostate cancer, and some 28,900
men will die of the disease.
Men at higher risk include black men older
than 60, farmers, tire workers, painters,
and men exposed to cadmium.
The lowest incidence occurs in Japanese
men and vegetarians.
Review
Prostate cancer suggests a malignant tumor growth on the
prostate gland.
Prostate cancer causes are unknown.
There are many symptoms leading to prostate cancer. Most
symptoms are in relations to urinary abnormalities.
Yearly check ups with a physician should be scheduled to
reveal the number one sign of all, hard irregular surface of
an enlarged prostate. This acknowledgement should be
followed by more thorough testing.
Prostate cancer is found primarily in elderly men. Men at
higher risk include black men older than 60, farmers, tire
workers, painters, and men exposed to cadmium.
Prostate cancer is becoming more and more abundant, and
is a very serious disease.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer is a very serious matter.
It is not something to joke around about
or take lightly.
All men, whether or not they have a
history of prostate cancer in their family,
should have yearly check ups with a
physician.
Guys, don’t be scared or embarrassed to
ask someone about prostate cancer.