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A curse facing all men of a certain age, prostate cancer, prostrate checks and the warning signs that are indicative of the possibility of suffering the disease. The first thing to remember, the warning signs do not always indicate cancer and in fact could be associated with acute or chronic prostatitis, and BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia).
The warning signs to which one should pay attention are as follows: -
- a frequent urge to urinate
- blood in the urine
- painful or a burning sensation when urinating
- difficulty in urinating
- erectile dysfunction
- painful ejaculation
- pain in the lower back, hips or upper legs (thighs)
- and the cursed dribble.
If one experiences any of these symptoms, an urgent call to your Doctor's required. Early detection of prostate cancer has a near 100% cure rate, as well as many men die of old age with the disease without ever knowing they had it.
The infection that can attack the prostate, known either as acute or chronic prostatitis, has similar signs. These are the result of a bacterial infection and are often easily cured with a dose of antibiotics. Acute prostatitis, comes on fast and is usually accompanied with chills or fevers, pain in the back and between the legs. Chronic prostatitis, although the signs might be less than the acute, are more persistent and last longer. It is more difficult to treat as it might not come from a bacteria, and in this case a different treatment's called for.
BPH is an enlarged prostate, common in older men, this enlargement can block the urethra and make the act of passing water almost impossible. This is where the dribble comes from, or the urge to go often, specially at night. This is when the Doctor dons the glove and an unpleasant examination follows. An unpleasant experience, but, for one's health, a necessary one.
Unfortunately when a man reaches the age of 50 and older, the finger probe's required, as well as a PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) blood test, far more pleasant than the former. This antigen is found in the blood of men and a high reading will not necessarily indicate cancer, but it certainly will call for further investigation. Family history’s need investigating, as a sire who has suffered the cancer could be a telling sign against you, as is the history of your mother and breast cancer. Being over weight, eating high-fat diets and smoking can all aid in the development if one is susceptible.
Constipation and wind can also be indicative of prostate problems, due to its place within the body, it can cause constipation, however constipation can also cause prostate problems by putting pressure on the gland. So this is a mis-guiding fact or symptom, however these symptoms if on going could be indicative of colon problems, so again a visit to the Doctor's recommended.
What are the causes, or attributed to causing prostate cancer? Age, most sufferers are older men over 50 years. Race, some are more susceptible to develop cancer than others, so consult your Doctor to find out if you fall into one of those race groups. Nationality, some nations like the USA and Europe are more likely to develop the cancer than say someone from Africa. Family history, if Dad had it, you have a risk factor within your genes. Diet, the “jury is still out” on this fact, but Doctors are certain that high-fat diets, lots of red meat and a lack of vegetables are possible factors for consideration. Obesity, a higher risk factor, although once more, not a definite indicator. Smoking, a definite higher risk for those that partake. An infection, either acute or chronic prostatitis, can heighten the chances of cancer forming.
Eating genetically modified foods could also have an effect on mutations of genes in the body. DNA changes in cell division are the common cause of prostate cancer, why some of the dividing cells mutate into cancer cells is unknown. How many mutate because of the possible causes are also unknown, but what ever it is, it's often a silent killer for men. Early detection is only possible by regular visits to your Doctor, as few if any symptoms show themselves before it is almost too late.
So the recommendation is, after you reach 50, go and endure the discomfort of the Doctors examination, do it annually and rather be safer than sorry.
How do you define a high fat diet when you say it could be a precursor?
That's the beauty of prostate cancer is that most of the time, caught early, and its a small op and none of the extras and your fine.. for that matter a lot of prostate cancer merely stays in the gland and is never discovered, and the sufferers die of natural causes... but these days if they catch it early they insert a pellet that radiates it in situ and that is that... My test showed all clear...
That makes two of us... still waiting results of last PSA but confident...
Been there done that (the test). I'm lucky so far with no negative results. Thanks for sharing Rob. Some guys need a kick in the rear to get tested.
Thats right John catch it early and you will be cure... pretend its not there and die...
Sure isn't easy being human, is it? Prostate cancer for men is like breast cancer for women. It's a threat that hangs over our heads, so we go to the doctor and get checked for these maladies. If someone does get prostate or breast cancer, they can be treated effectively with alternative remedies. Don't have to have radiation and the traditional drugs. I heard one doctor say that men used to get prostate cancer before it was customary to check for it. And they lived a normal long life without doing anything. I'm not suggesting that, by the way, it's just a curious point. Thanks Rob for the information.
I remember in my research on this subject a while ago that, about 46% of men who died a natural death, where found to have prostate cancer... been there for years and was never an issue... But to please my wife I have to go through this horrible test thing... still my other article has found the wonderful discovery.. women have thinner fingers.. Lady Doctor from now on.. their hands are warmer and softer... and the whole experience of seeing a Doctor, which I don't do often, has just got better...
Great article Rob, I am amazed even at my age (51) that when talking to others my own age they still seem reluctant to talk about this serious problem that is bound to affect one or more of us in our life time, it has some sort of stigma attached to it that is something that is so horrible it can't even be talked about....I know that sounds so sad and it is....I have been getting regular check ups since age 40 and not a big deal...it could be 100 times worse....It also amazes me how many men that do not get checked...I say why...symptoms or not get checked....I do believe prostate cancer does not get enough air time....Good to know others care....
Thanks Tim, yes it almost seems that the mere thought of having oneself checked is a declaration of some sort.. men suffer far worst problems that I could understand them not wanting to talk about, but prostate cancer seems to be a no no... They say it is one of the bigger cancers population wise and many men have it without knowing.. I have lost a friend to the disease.. his had been there for ages.. and by the time it was detected it was far advanced and broken through to other organs.. they still say if there had of been an early detection the chances are he'd be alive today... Maybe its time for a few more articles of this nature, blow the lid off the myths associated with a lot of problems...
Great article Rob, I was told once that eating tomatoes are helpful in keeping this at bay. I have been an eater ever since. Good awareness, early detection all good advice.
Thanks Mark.. cannot attest to the tomato, but can assure you there are many ways of avoiding most cancers if one follows correct diets.. or at least includes certain foods within their diet... If some said I could do or eat a certain thing that would release me from the finger I'd be doing it... keep well
I must admit I groaned a little when I saw your article, Rob. You know I would never knowingly miss one of your articles and I was a little taken aback that in my over busy over stressed over whelmed state I was to be taking time out to read.... prostate cancer?!! lol. OK, what can I say, you write about everything well. I renew my determination to read all your articles without fail... and, thank you, I have learnt something today!
He Heather still in the Land of Oz, thanks for the look in.. I must admit this was aimed at the men in my group and on the net for those that want to read... but it looks like some of the woman are also interested... maybe because I think as men we want to pretend its not there... Thanks for the read and comment...
Perhaps us women are even more interested then the men because we love them and relate to the regular pap smears that are rather indignant on us! Most men seem to have a "She'll be right" or a head in the sand attitude which with all serious health concerns are to the detriment. Women are so used to poking and prodding through childbirth etc we just get over it and get on with it. I do think it's a great article and, you're right, important for all men to be aware of.
Great article Rob, full of information all men should know on a very important matter. I have no words for the picture!
No words for the picture.. he looks like me every time the Doctor dons one of those gloves... I can come up with a thousand excuses as to why its not necessary to do the test... Actually there an article has just struck me...
Rob that picture scares the daylight out of that guy. My father died from prostate cancer, but what keep that fresh in my mind is that eight hundred each month for medication, so over the years I have always exercise, made my doctors visit and hope for the best.
That's what one must do, keep up the visits.. no matter how unpleasant it is... early detection is a must...
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