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.