The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland that produces seminal fluid, which helps in nourishing and transporting of sperm. Prostate cancer is a very common type of men’s cancer that start and progresses very slowly. While there is no clear reason as to why prostate cancer develops, it can occur due to abnormal cell growth and division in prostate gland tissues. These abnormal cells can accumulate in one place and form a tumor in the prostate gland or spread to other organs of the body.

At the initial stage, prostate cancer is typically confined just to the prostate gland, but as cancer progresses, it may grow and metastasize to nearby tissues and organs.

Prostate cancer screening can help detect prostate cancer at an early stage, based on the following early warning symptoms, to ensure more successful cancer treatment:

• Decreased or low stream of urination
• Trouble during urination
• Pain in your bones
• Blood in your semen
• The pelvic area feels very uncomfortable
• You can even have erectile dysfunction problems.

Risk factors for prostate cancer

While there is no specific cause of prostate cancer, several risk factors can cause certain males to be more prone to this type of cancer compared to others:

1. Age

The risk of prostate cancer increases in males over the age of 45. The risk further increases when males reach age 50.

2. Ethnicity

African American males tend to be more at risk of prostate cancer compared to males of other ethnicities.

3. Heredity

If you have a direct family history of prostate cancer (i.e., a parent or sibling) you may be at higher risk.

4. Weight

Overweight or obese males are also at increased risk of all forms of cancer.

Treating prostate cancer

In most of the cases of prostate cancer, men don’t require any treatment. Rather, doctors may prescribe active check ups and tests to monitor the progression of prostate cancer and control it before it grows worse. More invasive prostate cancer treatments include:

• Surgery: For some men, the prostate must to be removed to eradicate all traces of cancer.
• Radiation therapy: Radiotherapy, or high energy beams, are often passed through the prostate gland in order to stop the growth of cancer-causing cells in the prostate.
• Hormone therapy: This treatment aims to block testosterone production, as the prostate cancer relies on this hormone for growth.
• Chemotherapy: Is injected in order to destroy cancer-causing cells.

Final tips for preventing prostate cancer, include:

• A healthy, balanced diet rich in fresh vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and fresh fruits.
• Remaining active, or getting exercise at least 3 times per week.
• Maintaining a healthy weight.