If a man is going to experience problems in the urinary tract, it will occur in the prostate.

These problems can be either an enlarged prostate or prostatitis.

There are two levels of prostatitis, either acute or chronic.  If someone is suffering from acute prostatitis, he may be experiencing urinating difficulty, pain or burning while urinating, difficulty when trying to go to the bathroom and frequent lower back pain.  Often times, there can be pain between the scrotum and rectum, fever, and blood or pus in the urine.  Chronic prostatitis symptoms may include frequent and burning urination with blood in the urine, lower back pain, and impotence and as the condition becomes more advanced, urination will become more difficult.

It is estimated that approximately 60% of men over the age of 50 and 75% of men over the age of 70 will experience an enlarged prostate.  Hormonal changes, which are associated with aging, start to occur when a man reaches age 50.  At that point, his free testosterone levels will decrease while other hormone levels, including prolactin and estradiol will increase.  The result is a significant increase in the amount of a potent form of testosterone known as dihydrotestosterone, which will form within the prostrate.  An overproduction of prostate cells will occur, resulting in an enlarged prostate.  An enlarged prostate is not cancerous in and of itself but it can lead to serious problems, such as obstruction of the urethral canal, which interferes with urination and the ability to empty the bladder completely.  When this happens, the kidneys may become damaged both by pressure and by substances in the urine.

However, it is important to note that the symptoms for these disorders could also be prostate cancer, so check if you have the following symptoms:

• Painful urination, coupled with lower back pain, fever and pelvic pain.
• Your frequently feel the urge to urinate but can’t get started.
• You repeatedly urinate two or three times a night.

You still feel full after urination.

Suggested Reading

• Enlarged Prostate and Erectile Dysfunction: Is there a connection?
• BPH – Diagnosis and Treatment
• Enlarged Prostate and Lower Back Pain
• Detection for the Causes and Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
• Prostatitis – Risks, Symptoms, Diagnosis
• Natural Treatments for Prostatitis
• General Patient Oriented Information about Prostatitis
• Watching Their Diet Important for Prostate Cancer Sufferers
• What Kind of Treatment will You undergo for Prostatitis?
• Enlarged Prostate and Erectile Dysfunction: Are Oral Medications Such as Viagra, Cialis or Levitra Effective?

The doubling time is the time that it takes for PSA levels to increase by 100 percent.

Although there is nothing on the market that will prevent prostate cancer, a diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables and fish can make significant strides toward reducing the risk of contracting the disease.  It has been found that a diet high in omega 3 fatty acids, which are the kind found in salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines, protect against advanced prostate cancer.

Diet and lifestyle choices play a significant role in everyone’s health and there is no substitute for a diet that is balanced and free of known carcinogens.  In addition, supplementing the diet with vitamins and daily exercise is another added layer of protection.  A multivitamin such as a B-complex and folic acid should be taken daily; however, avoid supplements with high doses of zinc.  The research that has been done has demonstrated that some medications and supplements that had previously been considered steps toward preventing prostate cancer, now do not appear as promising.

No man is immune from contracting prostate cancer or from the probable precursor condition of an enlarged prostate, but the greatest risk categories appear to be men who are older, men with a family history of prostate cancer and black men, all factors that cannot be controlled.  Therefore, with this knowledge in place, it is important to be proactive and concentrate on the area that is controllable – diet.

The guidelines are simple but bear repeating.  They are:

1. Don’t overeat.  Eat in moderation and maintain calorie count control.
2. Avoid foods that are high in fat. Foods that are high in saturated fats, such as animal fats found in red meat, may pose the greatest risk.  Studies have shown that a diet with excess fat, primarily red meat and high-fat dairy, stimulates prostate cancer growth.
3. Make healthy food choices.  Go for whole-grain foods such as brown rice and whole grain breads while limiting sweets and salt intake.
4. Moderate consumption of alcohol.  Moderation means no more than two drinks per day.
5. Increase amount of fish to your diet, particularly salmon, sardines, mackerel and trout.  Fish is high in alpha omega-3 fatty acids and should be added to the diet two or three times per week.
6. Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables.  Fruits and vegetables have been linked to a reduced risk of many kinds of cancer.  Eating plenty of vegetables may help ward of prostate cancer.

Suggested Reading

• Natural Treatments for Prostatitis
• What is Non-Bacterial Prostatitis?
• Enlarged Prostate and Lower Back Pain
• Natural Treatments for Prostate Infection
• Prostatitis – Risks, Symptoms, Diagnosis
• What is the Relationship Between Frequent Urination and Enlarged Prostate
• Diverticulitis: What is it and what can you do about it?
• General Patient Oriented Information about Prostatitis
• How Can Interstitial Cystitis Affect Your Prostate?
• Herbal Supplements to Promote Prostate Health and to Treat Prostate Disease

It appears that moderate conception of red wine may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Three recent Harvard studies, the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, the Physicians’ Health Study, and the Harvard Alumni Study, have all shown that men who drink a modest amount of alcohol may gain substantial protection against angina, first heart attacks, recurrent heart attacks, sudden cardiac death, and ischemic strokes.  There are also benefits of low-dose alcohol, including a reduced risk of diabetes, symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and erectile dysfunction.

Don’t get me wrong.  I’m not suggesting that alcohol should be a regular part of one’s diet just as water should be.  Alcohol affects everyone differently and the way it reacts to someone depends on who drinks, how much he drinks, and when he drinks.  If you are someone who may be at risk for alcohol abuse, then it’s probably a good idea to forego conception, as should people with liver disease and those who require medications that may interact adversely with alcohol.  Of course, no one should drink before driving or operating hazardous machinery.

But what is the right consumption for those who do not have an proclivities that might make us susceptible to alcohol abuse?  For men, perhaps it is one to two drinks a day, in the form of 1½ ounces of liquor, 12 ounces of beer, or 5 ounces of wine.  For women, we can only handle half as much, or so it would seem.

Although prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, its cause is still not understood.  Heredity could play a factor, as could lifestyle and diet.  It is thought that a leading culprit could be saturated fat derived from animal sources such as red meat and whole dairy products and a very high consumption of calcium or the omega-3 fat found in flaxseed and canola oil may also boost risk.  It’s counterpart may very well be tomatoes and other vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds, fish, and soy.  It one is obese, the risk increases and it seems exercise may lower it.  Smoking appears to have little impact.

Having multiple female sexual partners may increase the risk, but one study seemed to conclude that frequent ejaculation was a form of “protection” against prostate cancer.

Are you confused yet?  Prostate cancer is complex and not completely understood.  The studies thus far have been inclusive as to why it occurs and what can increase (or decrease) the risk.  Some studies have shown that heavy drinking may be a risk factor, yet most studies find no link between drinking and the disease.

Suggested Reading

• Natural Treatments for Prostate Infection
• Diverticulitis: What is it and what can you do about it?
• Natural Treatments for Prostatitis
• Enlarged Prostate and Erectile Dysfunction: Is there a connection?
• Watching Their Diet Important for Prostate Cancer Sufferers
• How Can Interstitial Cystitis Affect Your Prostate?
• Herbal Supplements to Promote Prostate Health and to Treat Prostate Disease
• Enlarged Prostate and Erectile Dysfunction: Are Oral Medications Such as Viagra, Cialis or Levitra Effective?
• What is Proctitis and How is it Related to Prostate Pain?
• Natural Treatments for Enlarged Prostate

There are some simple and basic things you can do in order to reduce your risk of prostate cancer

Man Making Meal

You can reduce prostate cancer risk by:

-  Avoiding smoking tobacco cigarettes

-  Eating a low-fat diet, which is high in fiber

-  Getting plenty of exercise and staying physically active

Recent studies are showing that men who eat diets, which are high in green leafy vegetables may develop prostate cancer less frequently than men who don’t.  Another study shows that men who eat tomato-based foods at least twice per week may also be at a lower risk for developing prostate cancer.

Many studies show a relationship between diet and prostate cancer.  Lycopene is found in many different fruits and vegetables and experts believe that this can help to protect the body against prostate cancer.  It’s a powerful antioxidant, which may protect the protein in cells from damage.  Vitamin C and Vitamin E have been linked to the reduction of cell damage in cancer studies.

Some symptoms of prostate cancer include:

-  The need to urinate frequently, particularly at night

-  Difficulty with starting to urinate or the inability to urinate

-  Weak or interrupted flow of urine

-  Painful or burning urination

-  Difficulty in having an erection

-  Pain during ejaculation

-  Blood in urine or semen

-  Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or thighs

Prostate cancer is typically diagnosed with one of the following ways or a combination:

-  PSA test

-  Digital rectal exam

-  MRI scan

-  Ultrasound

-  CT scan

-  Biopsy

There are several different stages of prostate cancer.  Prostate cancer is when cancer is found within the prostate gland.  The prostate is only found in males.  It’s located under the bladder and in front of the rectum.  When cells grow out of control, it can be because the cells are cancerous.  The prostate gland is necessary for reproduction.

Prostate cancer typically begins in the cells of the prostate gland, but it can spread to other parts of the body, including the bladder, colon, rectum and the bone.  When prostate cancer has spread to the bone, it can be very painful.

Suggested Reading

• No Related Post

1 in 6 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States

PSA Test

Man Getting MRI

The PSA Test is a prostate-specific antigen and is considered to be one of the most effective ways to diagnosis prostate cancer.  It’s a blood test, which screens and measures a protein made by the prostate that normally is present in the blood.  Men who have prostate cancer will see that the amount of protein within their blood will increase.

A PSA count of 0 to 4 ng/ml would be considered below normal.  A PSA count of 4 to 10 ng/ml is considered to be slightly elevated.  A PSA count of 10 to 20 ng/ml is moderately elevated and a PSA count that is above 20 ng/ml is highly elevated.

Only one abnormal PSA Test doesn’t necessarily mean that someone has prostate cancer.

Digital Rectal Exam

With a digital rectal exam (DRE), the doctor will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into the man’s rectum to feel the prostate.  The doctor is feeling around for roughness and irregular unevenness to the tissue.  If an enlarged prostate feels smooth, it likely is not cancerous.

MRI Scan

An MRI Scan is sometimes used to diagnose prostate cancer.  They can be used to create a clear picture of the prostate gland.

Ultrasound

There is a type of ultrasound called transrectal ultrasonography, which can be used to examine the prostate.

CT Scan

A CT Scan can help show areas of dense tissue, like tumors.

Biopsy

A biopsy is a medical procedure where a sample of the suspected cancerous tumor.  This is a very accurate method of deciphering whether or not someone has prostate cancer.

There are various stages of prostate cancer.  An Oncologist, who is a physician specializing in the treatment of cancer, utilize various tests to determine which stage of cancer the patient is in.  They look at the stage of development as well as the arrangement of cancer cells.  The patient’s doctor comes up with an appropriate treatment plan based on which stage of cancer the patient is in.

Testosterone, age, heredity and diet are often the main contributing factors to prostate cancer.  Some studies have found that a diet high in animal fat may be a lead contributor to prostate cancer.

Suggested Reading

• Detection for the Causes and Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate

Follow doctor recommendations and work to get better

Watchful Waiting

For watching waiting, the prostate is carefully monitored, but it is not treated right away.  It’s not exactly ignoring prostate cancer, but waiting to see what the next step will be.  In some cases, a man will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, but the cancer will grow so slowly that it will not affect a man over his entire lifetime.  If symptoms spread and cancer becomes more intense, there are other options that will be implemented.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation is meant to kill fast-growing cancer cells.  It can be performed externally or internally.  External radiation therapy is when a beam is sent from outside of the body toward the tumor.  It’s performed at a hospital or a treatment center.  It’s typically performed five days a week for several weeks.  It is painless, but may produce unpleasant side effects, such as tiredness, nausea, hair loss, skin soreness and loss of appetite.

Brachytherapy is a kind of internal radiation therapy where radioactive seeds or pellets are surgically implanted into the prostate with the use of needles.  An ultrasound picture guides the physician in placing the seeds or pellets.  Medication can be used to block any pain or discomfort which may be involved.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is when chemicals are used to kill the cancer cells.  Chemotherapy is only implemented when the cancer has spread beyond the prostate.  It is not used in the early stages of prostate cancer.

Cryotherapy

This is a procedure in which an ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum to produce a picture that the physician will watch on a monitor.  The physician inserts probes into the prostate through small incisions between the rectum and the scrotum.  The probes release liquid nitrogen to the prostate, freezing the tissue and killing the cancer cells.

Hormone Therapy

Prostate cancer feeds on the male hormone testosterone.  Sometimes a reduction in testosterone will slow the growth of cancer.

Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists (LH-RH agonists) are drugs that reduce the production of testosterone, but without the same side effects of estrogen.  They are often times used in conjunction with hormones called antiandrogens.

Sometimes the testicles are removed in order to prevent the production of testosterone.  This procedure is referred to as orchiectomy.

Prostate Removal

When the cancer hasn’t spread beyond the prostate, prostate removal may be an option.  It is not always a cancer cure, however, and time will have to go by before doctors can be sure.

TURP

Transurethral resection of the prostate (also known as TURP) is when only a portion of the prostate is removed.  It’s removed with an instrument that is inserted through the urethra.  The cancer is then removed when electricity is passed through the end of the instrument.

Suggested Reading

• Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
• Prostate Health: What medications are available?

Prostate cancer

An Oncologist specializes in cancer treatment and can help determine how far along the cancer has progressed to

Stage A

This is the earliest stage of prostate cancer.  It’s typically determined by PSA tests or a biopsy.  At this point in time, a prognosis cannot be made until the doctors recognize how far the cancer has spread.

Stage B

In Stage B, it is known that the cancer has spread to various parts of the prostate.

Stage C

In Stage C, the cancer has spread throughout the prostate and may have spread to other tissues nearby the prostate.  It may also have spread to the bladder by now.

Stage D

In Stage D, the cancer has spread throughout the prostate and beyond.  It’s in the nearby tissue.  If is still concentrated to the pelvic area, the stage is referred to as D1.  If the cancer has spread to the bone, it’s referred to as D2.

Gleason Score

The Gleason Score is based on the arrangement of cancer cells in tumors under a microscope.  This is looked at by a pathologist.  The lower the score the patient has, the better.  The lowest possible Gleason Score is 2.  A typical Gleason Score is between 5 and 7 and if the score is between 7 and 10, it is considered to be rather high.

Some physicians use TNM Staging, which is a universal scoring system.  It looks at how far the cancer has spread.  To determine the TNM Staging, the Oncologist looks at the tumor size, referred to as T staging, the lymph node involvement, referred to as N staging, and the presence of cancer in other parts of the body, or its metastasis, referred to as M staging.

T Staging

This staging goes from T1 to T4 and has some sub-stages.  In the T1 stage, the cancer can’t be seen or felt.  A biopsy has confirmed the presence of cancer.  T1a means the cancer is present in 5 % or less of the prostate tissue which has been examined.  T1b means that cancer is present in more than 5 % of the prostate tissue.

T2 means that the cancer is concentrated only to the prostate.  T2a means that the cancer is only on one side of the prostate, and T2b means that the cancer is on both sides of the prostate.

T3 means that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate to nearby tissues and organs.  T3a means that the cancer is not found in the seminal glands and T3b means that it has spread to the seminal glands.  T4 tumors have spread to other organs, like the bladder or rectum.

There is N0 to N1 staging.  N0 staging means that the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes and N1 staging means that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.

M staging also goes from M0 to M1.  M0 means that the cancer has not spread to distant tissues and M1 means that the cancer has been found in distant tissues.  M1a means it has been found in the lymph nodes beyond the pelvic area.  M1b means it’s been found in the bone and M1c means it’s been found in other sites.

Suggested Reading

• What is Proctitis and How is it Related to Prostate Pain?
• What is Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis?
• Symptoms of Prostate Cancer: Things to be on the lookout for
• Diverticulitis: What is it and what can you do about it?
• How Can Interstitial Cystitis Affect Your Prostate?
• General Information Surrounding the Prostate
• What is Non-Bacterial Prostatitis?
• Prostatic Abscess and Your Prostate
• Natural Treatments for Prostate Infection
• Natural Treatments for Prostatitis

An estimated 2 million men have been diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States

Prostate cancer, MRI scans

As with most cancers, if prostate cancer is caught in the early stages, it can be dealt with a lot better.  Many men do no experience symptoms in the early stages, however, here are some things that some men do experience:

-  The need to urinate frequently, particularly during the night

-  Difficulty to begin urinating or holding urination back

-  Weak or interrupted flow of urine

-  Painful or burning urination

-  Difficulty with getting an erection

-  Painful ejaculation

-  Blood in the urine or the semen

-  Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips and/or upper thighs

Prostate is typically diagnosed during a routine physical examination.  Many men do not experience noticeable symptoms or they do not understand what the symptoms they are experiencing mean.  Many prostate cancer cases are not discovered until the cancer has spread beyond the prostate.

Prostate cancer is often diagnosed with the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or a digital rectal exam (DRE).

The symptoms in which the patient experiences will vary depending on how far the cancer has spread.  Urinary problems are typically experienced because of tumors pressing against the bladder.

In advanced prostate cancer, there are a few symptoms which may be experienced:

-  Bone pain that doesn’t go away

-  Bone fractures

-  Compression of the spine

Prostate cancer behaves differently for different people depending on the type of prostate cancer it is.  It is still unknown as to what exactly causes prostate cancer.  Research suggests that it may vary depending on a combination of factors, including heredity, ethnicity, hormones, diet and the environment.

There are many different factors, which put some people at a higher risk.  Some risk factors include age, race, family history, diet and testosterone levels.  A high-fat diet and obesity may play a bigger role in the development of prostate cancer than experts once thought.

Testosterone naturally stimulates the growth of the prostate gland, so men who use testosterone therapy are at a higher risk for developing prostate cancer.

Suggested Reading

• What is Proctitis and How is it Related to Prostate Pain?
• What is Chronic Bacterial Prostatitis?
• What are the Stages of Prostate Cancer?
• Diverticulitis: What is it and what can you do about it?
• How Can Interstitial Cystitis Affect Your Prostate?
• General Information Surrounding the Prostate
• What is Non-Bacterial Prostatitis?
• Prostatic Abscess and Your Prostate
• Natural Treatments for Prostate Infection
• Natural Treatments for Prostatitis