Must to have Prostate Cancer Information
Prostate cancer affects men, primarily over the age of 50. It is the third leading cause of cancer deaths and the number one cause of cancer deaths for men over age 75. Groups of men primarily affected include African Americans, men over age 60 and men whose father or brother had the disease. Other studies have found that men exposed to Agent Orange, farmers, alcohol abusers, and men who eat a high fat diet are also at risk.
Prostate cancer information describes the physical location and function of the prostate gland. It is only about one inch long and weighs only one ounce. It wraps itself around the urethra. The urethra carries urine stored in the bladder and sperm during ejaculation. As the aging process develops, the prostate becomes less flexible and tends to harden. As this happens, the gland also expands. This condition is known as Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BHP). This leads to further complications that can include:
• Difficulty urinating, with problems starting and stopping urination.
• More frequent urination, especially at night.
• Decreased flow or velocity of urination.
• Blood in the urine.
• Loss of bladder control.
• Burning sensation when urinating.
Other lesser symptoms include:
• Painful ejaculation or blood in the semen.
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Swelling in the pelvic area, or legs and feet.
• Numbness or bone pain, especially in the legs or feet.
It should be noted here that BHP, while being a warning sign, "is not" a confirmation of prostate cancer. Many men have BHP and do not have prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer information describes some of the tests used in prostate cancer screening. Among them are the following:
• One of the most common tests is the test for Prostate-Specific-Antigen or (PSA). It is a blood test that measures the amount of the antigen in the man's blood. A high reading above 4 on the PSA scale can be an indication of prostate cancer.
• Another test is the Digital Rectal Exam or (DRE). Here the doctor uses a gloved finger and inserts it in the man's rectum to feel any abnormalities in the prostate gland.
Prostrate cancer screening using these tests is not conclusive. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that there is no significant evidence to recommend screening with either PSA OR DRE.
The only conclusive test for prostate cancer screening is a biopsy. Samples are extracted from the prostate and measured on the Gleason scale. A reading of 2-4 shows a low- grade cancer. Readings between 5-7 fall in the intermediate range and readings of 8-10 show a high- grade cancer.
Other tests that show the extent of the cancer include a CT Scan and Bone Scan.
A review of this data suggests that men over age 50 become aware of the risks for prostate cancer and make commitments for testing if they suspect the possibility of the disease.
Prostate cancer information describes the physical location and function of the prostate gland. It is only about one inch long and weighs only one ounce. It wraps itself around the urethra. The urethra carries urine stored in the bladder and sperm during ejaculation. As the aging process develops, the prostate becomes less flexible and tends to harden. As this happens, the gland also expands. This condition is known as Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BHP). This leads to further complications that can include:
• Difficulty urinating, with problems starting and stopping urination.
• More frequent urination, especially at night.
• Decreased flow or velocity of urination.
• Blood in the urine.
• Loss of bladder control.
• Burning sensation when urinating.
Other lesser symptoms include:
• Painful ejaculation or blood in the semen.
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Swelling in the pelvic area, or legs and feet.
• Numbness or bone pain, especially in the legs or feet.
It should be noted here that BHP, while being a warning sign, "is not" a confirmation of prostate cancer. Many men have BHP and do not have prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer information describes some of the tests used in prostate cancer screening. Among them are the following:
• One of the most common tests is the test for Prostate-Specific-Antigen or (PSA). It is a blood test that measures the amount of the antigen in the man's blood. A high reading above 4 on the PSA scale can be an indication of prostate cancer.
• Another test is the Digital Rectal Exam or (DRE). Here the doctor uses a gloved finger and inserts it in the man's rectum to feel any abnormalities in the prostate gland.
Prostrate cancer screening using these tests is not conclusive. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) states that there is no significant evidence to recommend screening with either PSA OR DRE.
The only conclusive test for prostate cancer screening is a biopsy. Samples are extracted from the prostate and measured on the Gleason scale. A reading of 2-4 shows a low- grade cancer. Readings between 5-7 fall in the intermediate range and readings of 8-10 show a high- grade cancer.
Other tests that show the extent of the cancer include a CT Scan and Bone Scan.
A review of this data suggests that men over age 50 become aware of the risks for prostate cancer and make commitments for testing if they suspect the possibility of the disease.
