Our previous article «Breast Cancer» was dedicated to the cause of female mortality № 1. Today we are talking about male oncological problem - prostate cancer (PCA). This disease is widespread; in Europe and the USA it occupies a leading position in the incidence rate. In terms of mortality, prostate cancer is only slightly behind lung cancer and colon cancer.
The prostate gland - is the male reproductive gland of external secretion, the main function of which is to produce specific proteins and fluids - an environment that ensures the viability of sperm.
Risk factors
- age (the older the man, the higher the likelihood of a disease);
- genetic;
- food (fat abuse);
- ecological;
- bad habits;
- low physical activity.
. Of course, nothing can be done with age and bad heredity, but bad habits are something that any man can cope with if he wants. In the light of recent scientific studies, facts have been discovered that indicate that smoking is the path not only to lung cancer, but also to the cancer of the genitourinary system.
The peculiarity of the disease often manifests itself in the fact that for a long time, the patient has no complains at all. You can live your whole life with cancer, and die from a heart attack. It happens that from the moment a tumor forms to its metastasis, ten or more years pass.
Symptoms of prostate cancer are
- enlarged prostates;
- frequent urination ;
- nightly urge;
- incomplete emptying of the bladder.
The above group of symptoms is associated mainly with prostatic hypertrophy. The following signs of the disease are already talking about metastasis:
- pain in the spine;
- swelling of the lower extremities;
- the presence of blood in the urine.
Diagnosis of prostate cancer
Timely detection of the disease is extremely important. Until the prostate cancer begins to metastasize, the tumor can still be removed. But if the disease is started, then there is no need to talk about a complete cure. Modern diagnosis of prostate cancer is mainly based on laboratory tests determination of PSA level) ) and digital rectal examination.
PSA is a prostate-specific antigen which concentration increases during illness. (However, with prostatitis and prostate adenoma the PSA level can also increase.) Men simply must be aware of what their prostate-specific antigen indicators are, after 40 years, you need to have a blood test at least once every 2 years, and visit a urologist - once every year.
Treatment of prostate cancer
The basic methods for treating prostate cancer include brachytherapy (contact radiation therapy) and prostatectomy (removal of the prostate). If necessary, patients are prescribed chemotherapy and hormone therapy. After surgery, (if the disease is not in an advanced stage), the patient has every chance of complete healing.
If you have any suspicions, contact an urologist , who will prescribe all the necessary studies, and if there is sufficient reason for that, he will refer you to an oncologist.
