About prostates cancer
In prostate cancer, the cancer begins to slowly develop in the prostate gland, which is a part of the male reproductive system. This mainly occurs when the prostate cells mutate and subsequently, begin to multiply out of bounds. Prostate cancer results in erectile dysfunction, urination problems and other such symptoms. The incidences of occurrence of prostate cancer largely differ across the globe.
Though the rates of prostate cancer are varied in nature, it has least occurrence in South Asia and East Asia and mostly occurs in the United States. Based on the findings of the American Cancer Society, incidences of prostate cancer are minimal amongst Asian men and are more common amongst the black men. The figures for white men are an approximate mean of the figures for black men and Asian men. Another reason given for the higher incidences of cancer amongst the men in developed nations is the increased detection rates. Prostate cancer mostly develops in men who are above the age of 50. Prostate cancer is exclusive to men only, as it is considered to be a part of the male reproductive tract. More than any other nation, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Except lung cancer, prostate cancer is responsible for maximum male fatalities. Nevertheless, there are numerous men having prostate cancer devoid of symptoms and therapy, and who die of other reasons.
Reasons for Prostate Cancer Development:
Numerous reasons can be cited for the development of prostate cancer. The predominant factor amongst them includes diet and genetics. Prostate cancer is often detected through blood tests or physical examination. Specifically, prostate cancer is also diagnosed by carrying out a prostate specific antigen test or PSA test. However, there are still doubts with regards to the accuracy of such tests. Suspected incidences of prostate cancer are confirmed with the removal of a piece of prostate and their examination under the microscope. Subsequent tests such as bone scans and x-rays also help in determining the extent to which the prostate cancer has unfolded.
Treatment of Prostate Cancer:
Proton therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and hormonal therapy are some forms of treatment of prostate cancer. The health of the person and the age, in addition to the extent of cancer spread and also, the treatment response to cancer and the appearance of the cancer under the microscope are important factors in deciding the disease outcome. Since prostate cancer mostly afflicts older male population, by the time a slowly advancing prostate cancer causes some sort of symptoms, most of the people die due to other causes. These are the main deterrents to the treatment of prostate cancer. It is the sole decision of the patient whether to treat a localized prostate cancer or not.
Based on a research carried out in the month of May 2007, it is observed that US war veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange had 48 % more chance of contracting prostate cancer subsequent to surgery.
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