Prostate Cancer Facts That Could Save Your Life
Prostate cancer is very common among American men. According to American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in men. While all men are at risk, over 65% of prostate cancer diagnoses are in men over the age of 65. There is one death from prostate cancer every 18 minutes in America.
Prostate cancer can be treated successfully when diagnosed at an early stage, so early detection is key to saving lives. Recent research shows that a five-year survival rate is nearly 100%, with a 10-year survival rate at 91%. Prostate cancer is the only cancer with a 100% five-year survival rate. This article will help you understand more about prostate cancer, your risks, possible symptoms, and ways you can help support a healthy prostate.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Symptoms of prostate cancer can be elusive because many prostate cancer symptoms are very similar to BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), prostatitis, erectile dysfunction, or overactive bladder. These include:
- Strong urge to urinate immediately
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Pain and/or burning when urinating
- Difficulty starting the urinary stream
- A weak urinary stream once it starts
- Dribbling after you're finished
- Pain in the genital and pelvic area
- Pain when ejaculating
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Frequent urinary tract infections
Other more serious prostate cancer symptoms may include:
- Unexpected weight loss
- Pain in the lower back or pelvic area
- Anemia
- Fatigue
Keep in mind that in the very early stages of prostate cancer, there are often no symptoms at all, so it's critical to discuss testing options with your doctor in order to facilitate an early diagnosis.
Prostate Cancer Risk
Age, family history, ethnicity, and diet are the leading factors contributing the greatest risk for prostate cancer development.
Men over the age of 65 are the most likely to develop prostate cancer, as are men with one or more close relatives who have had the disease. For reasons not fully understood, African-American men are 2.5 times more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men. They are also more likely to die from it.
Diet is thought to be a significant risk factor with a high-fat diet raising the likelihood of developing the disease. Several studies indicate that obesity may contribute to a higher risk of aggressive forms of prostate cancer, in addition to speeding up the long-term risk of disease progression.
Pesticide, chemical, and defoliant exposure has been found to increase risk and severity of prostate cancer. Farmers, Vietnam and Korean War veterans, and those exposed to metal cadmium, such as welders, are more vulnerable.
While most prostate cancer is very slow growing and stays in the prostate, a few cases are aggressive and can metastasize to other parts of the body. Men over the age of 40 should discuss their risk factors and testing options with their doctor.
10 Things You Should Know About Prostate Cancer
1. One in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. But only 1 in 39 will die from the disease.
2. It is estimated that there will be 161,360 new prostate cancer cases in 2017.
3. Know your risk and take appropriate action. The biggest risk factors are sex, race, and family history.
4. Testing for prostate cancer is quick and easy and can be done with a simple blood test and a physical exam.
5. There are no symptoms of early stage prostate cancer, making it critical to understand your risk and talk to your doctor about testing after you turn 40.
6. Early detection saves lives.
7. Exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a heart-healthy diet can reduce your risk of prostate cancer.
8. Nearly 100% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer in its early stages are still alive 5 years after diagnosis.
9. Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in men.
10. An estimated 26,730 prostate cancer deaths will occur in the U.S. in 2017, according to the American Cancer Society.
Don't be a statistic. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced earlier this year that it anticipates a 57% increase in cancer cases worldwide over the next 20 years. At least half of all cancers, including prostate cancer, can be prevented with healthy lifestyle choices. When making decisions about your health, go with the facts that have been proven over and over again in countless studies: don't smoke, limit alcohol consumption, and focus on a healthy diet and exercise.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
