Alameda County
Signs of Prostate Cancer and Why They Should Not Be Ignored
Receiving proper health screenings can be lifesaving. Hundreds of men, specifically African Americans across the globe, are at increased risk for prostate cancer.
By Clifford L. Williams
Prostate cancer is a deadly disease that progresses slowly, but its life-ending results can be painful and devastating if not treated in its early stages. The disease is as common as breast cancer, affecting about 1 in 8 men in their lifetime.
Receiving proper health screenings can be lifesaving. Hundreds of men, specifically African Americans across the globe, are at increased risk for prostate cancer.
You are at increased risk for getting or dying from prostate cancer if you are African American or have a family history of prostate cancer.
I am not entirely certain, but I would guess my bout with prostate cancer probably came from my father, I have two brothers who inevitably contracted the disease. As a prostate cancer survivor, I took the necessary procedures to ward off the disease.
What Causes Prostate Cancer?
It is not known exactly what causes prostate cancer, although several things can increase your risk of developing the condition. It could be environmental or even hereditary.
Additional factors can include smoking, obesity, and consuming very high amounts if calcium may factor into more aggressive cases of prostate cancer. Specifically, cancer in the prostate, a small walnut-sized gland that produces seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
Being Aware of Prostate Issues:
Although the presence of prostate cancer may not display any symptoms at all, there are five warning signs of prostate problems, and why you should see your doctor right away which includes: difficulty starting urination; weak or interrupted flow of urine; urinating often, especially at night; trouble emptying the bladder completely; pain or burning during urination, and blood in the urine or semen.
Prostate cancer can be cured when detected and treated early. Most prostate cancer cases (more than 90%) are discovered in the preliminary stages, making the tumors more likely to respond to treatment. Treatment does not always have to mean surgery or chemotherapy, either.
One way to get an early diagnosis is to be aware of your PSA levels. The normal range is between 1.0 and 1.5 ng/ml. A PSA score may also be considered abnormal if it rises a certain amount in a single year. For example, if your score rises more than 0.35 ng/ml in a single year, your doctor may recommend further testing.
You can check if your prostate is OK when you take a blood sample to test your level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or PSA testing. A doctor can examine your prostate by inserting a gloved finger into your bottom – called a digital rectal examination.
How Do You Avoid Prostate Cancer?
To avoid the chances of getting prostate cancer, consider changing your diet and lifestyle, which includes improving your diet, maintaining a healthy weight, getting regular exercise, stopping smoking and drinking less, increasing your intake of Vitamin D, and remaining sexually active.
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