Prostatic Cancer

What is Prostatic Cancer ?

Prostate cancer is a disease in which cancer develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Cancer occurs when cells of the prostate mutate and begin to multiply out of control. These cells may spread (metastasize) from the prostate to other parts of the body, especially the bones and lymph nodes. Prostate cancer, unlike many other forms of cancer, tends to be slow growing.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States in men dying from cancer and is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American males. Most of the deaths from prostate cancer are related to advanced disease. Continuous advances have provided a new understanding of the diagnosis, staging, and treatment of metastatic and advanced prostate cancer.

Causes of Prostatic Cancer

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, although some studies have shown a relationship between high dietary fat intake and increased testosterone levels. When testosterone levels are lowered either by surgical removal of the testicles (castration, orchiectomy) or by medication, prostate cancer can regress. There is no known association with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Signs & Symptoms of Prostatic Cancer

Early prostate cancer usually is discovered during a routine digital rectal examination (DRE).

Symptoms are often similar to those of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Men observing the following signs and/or symptoms should see their physician for a thorough examination.

• Blood in the urine or semen
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Inability to urinate
• Nagging pain or stiffness in the back, hips, upper thighs, or pelvis
• Painful ejaculation
• Pain or burning during urination (dysuria)
• Weak or interrupted urinary flow

Diagnostic Tests

Several tests are used to diagnose prostate cancer.

• Digital rectal examination(DRE)
• Blood tests may show elevated levels of prostate­specific antigen (PSA).
• Bone scan and excretory urography are used to determine the disease's extent.
• Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scanning can help define the tumor's extent.
• Free and total PSA (also known as PSA II) PSA in the blood may be bound molecularly to one of several proteins or may exist in a free, or unbound, state.

Treatment

Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the disease and the patient's age and overall health. Treatment options may include the following:

• Radiation therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Surgical treatment
• Natural treatment and support
  • Nutrition
  • Supplements

Diet:

• Because a high-fat diet is linked with a higher incidence of prostate cancer, a low-fat diet may be beneficial for patients at high risk of developing prostate cancer
• Tomatoes, broccoli, green tea, soy, lycopenes, licorice root, selenium, and antioxidants have all been hypothesized to be beneficial.

Prevention Tips

Prostate cancer can't be prevented, but you can take measures to reduce your risk or possibly slow the disease's progression. The most important steps you can take to maintain prostate health — and health in general — are to eat well, keep physically active and see your doctor regularly.