The Prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in males, in the pelvic reagion, that produces seminal fluid, the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Cancer of the organ is termed as Prostate cancer. This is one of the most common types of cancer in men.
Some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or no treatment, while others can be aggressive and spread quickly.
In the early stages Prostate cancer does not produce any symptoms, or produces minimal symptoms that are ignored or not noticed. Hence many prostate cancers are not detected unless a person regularly undergoes a routine screening such as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or a digital rectal exam (DRE).
The early signs and symptoms of prostate cancer generally include urinary problems, caused due to pressure on the bladder or urethra by the tumor. However, urinary symptoms are much more commonly caused by benign prostate problems, such as an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or prostate infections.
The common urinary signs and symptoms that occur, can include:
- Trouble urinating
- Starting and stopping while urinating
- Decreased force in the stream of urine
- Blood in your urine
- Blood in your semen
- Swelling in your legs
- Discomfort in the pelvic area
You cannot prevent prostate cancer if you are someone who is at isk due to genetic or other factors. But you can always take measures to reduce the risk of having it or to delay the development of the condition. Some common steps that can be taken are -
Eat well: High-fat diets have been linked to prostate cancer. Hence, limit your intake of high-fat foods and emphasize on fruits, vegetables and whole fibers may help you reduce your risk. Foods rich in lycopene, an antioxidant, also may help lower your prostate cancer risk. These foods include raw or cooked tomatoes, tomato products, grapefruit and watermelon.
Increase soy in diet: Soy contains isoflavones that are known to prevent and reduce prostate cancers. Include soy products in your diet.
Get plenty of exercise: Exercise helps fight depression and is a good way to relieve tension and aggression.
The following strategies can help you cope with some of the difficulties of prostate cancer:
Be prepared: Ask your doctor questions and read about prostate cancer and its potential side effects. The fewer the surprises, the more quickly you'll adapt.
Maintain as normal a routine as you can: Don't let the cancer or side effects from treatment dominate your day. Try to follow the routine and lifestyle you had before learning of your cancer. Go back to work, take a trip, join your children or grandchildren on an outing. You need activities that give you a sense of purpose, fulfillment and meaning. But realize that initially you may have some limitations. Start slowly and gradually build your level of endurance.
Open up to a friend, a family member or a counselor: Cancer is too heavy a load to carry alone. Sometimes it helps to talk with someone about your feelings and fears. The better you feel emotionally, the better you'll be able to physically cope with your illness. You may find joining a support group helpful, because it can provide you with a sense of belonging, give you an opportunity to talk with people who understand your situation and provide you with advice. Your doctor or someone you know who has experienced prostate cancer may be able to help you locate a support group.
Don't avoid sexual contact: Your natural reaction to impotence may be to avoid all sexual contact. Don't fall for this feeling. Touching, holding, hugging and caressing can become far more important to you and your partner. In fact, the closeness you develop in these actions can produce greater sexual intimacy than you've ever had before. There are many ways to express your sexuality.
Look for the positive: Cancer doesn't have to be an all-negative experience for you. Good can come out of it. Confrontation with cancer may lead you to grow emotionally and spiritually, to identify what really matters to you, to settle long-standing disputes and to spend more time with people important to you.
