Prostate cancer affects a man's prostate (a gland in the reproductive system found below the bladder, which produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperms). It is the most common type of cancer in men. The cancer is initially confined to the prostate gland and usually does not cause serious harms. Some types of prostate cancers are less harmful and need no treatment, while some types are aggressive and can be very harmful.
The cause of prostate cancer is not clear but it is known that prostate cancer develops when some cells in the prostate become abnormal and start mutating. This mutation in the abnormal cells causes it to divide more rapidly than the normal cells; this accumulation of the abnormal cells leads to formation of tumor, which invades the nearby tissues. The risk factors associated with prostate cancer are older age, being black, obesity and family history of prostate cancer.
The symptoms of prostate cancer are not seen in its early stage, but in the advanced stages the symptoms of prostate cancer can be trouble in urinating, blood in the urine, swelling in the legs, blood in the semen, decreased force in the stream of urine, bone pain and discomfort in the pelvic area. If prostate cancer is detected at an early stage (when it is confined to the prostate gland) then there are bright chances of successful treatment.
The complications of prostate cancer include: spreading to the nearby organs or travelling through bloodstream or lymphatic system. The treatment of prostate cancer can cause urinary incontinence. The treatment options for prostate cancer depend on factors like the overall health of the individual, how fast the cancer is growing, and how much it has spread.
In case the cancer is diagnosed at a very early stage, the treatment may not be necessary right away. Some of the prostate cancers may never need treatment, so the doctors recommend watchful waiting and that period is called 'active surveillance'. If, the cancer grows during this period then the doctor opts for the treatment of prostate cancer by using radiation therapy, surgery to remove the prostate, freezing prostate tissue and chemotherapy.
There are some alternate prostate cancer treatments that help in de-stressing after the diagnosis; such treatments are meditation, music therapy, exercise, dance, art therapy, spirituality and relaxation technique. The risk of getting prostate cancer can be reduced if you take healthy diet, have healthy food over supplements, exercise and maintain a healthy weight.
