Risk Factors and Early Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men and tends to increase with age. A proper understanding of the risk factor and ability to recognize the early warning signs are important in ensuring that the disease gets diagnosed early in advance and treated as appropriate.
The risk of prostate cancer is noticeably increased with the advancement of age, and most cases are seen beyond the age of 65 years. Furthermore, family history also presents a chance: more so if a close male relative has had the disease-father or brother. Besides, genetic mutations typically associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, have also shown to increase the susceptibility for prostate cancer.
Race and ethnicity also play a role in the chances of having prostate cancer. Compared to other groups, African-American men are more prone to the disease and are diagnosed with more dangerous forms of the cancer. While the causes for this variation are not certain, besides socioeconomic factors, it is presumed that genetic and environmental reasons may be causative factors.
Modifiable risk factors include lifestyle-related determinants of risk in the form of dietary factors and physical activity. A diet high in red and processed meats, along with a low consumption of fruits and vegetables, may drive the creation of prostate cancer. Sedentary and overweight men are also more likely to develop the disease. It is believed that higher levels of these hormones, particularly testosterone, may encourage the growth of prostate cancer cells over time.
Less direct causes include heavy smoking and excessive drinking, which could lead to running a higher risk for the development of more aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Other risk factors for some men include toxic chemical exposure related to agricultural work or military service.
Early signs of prostate cancer are to be taken seriously. If the tumour is small, there are often no symptoms that bother the man too much, but as the tumour gets bigger, some men start to visit the bathroom more often, even at night. Also, it may take a little longer to get the urine stream going and to keep it flowing. At times, men may feel burning or pain while urinating. Although less frequent, blood in the urine or semen should never be neglected because it can be a signal towards prostate cancer. Moreover, impotence has also been reported; the disease may disturb sexual function.
At an advanced stage of prostate cancer, bone pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis is possible as cancer may metastasize to bones. Long-lasting pain in these parts may be a sign of an advanced stage of prostate cancer. If any of these symptoms do appear, medical attention should be sought. Screening, such as that from the prostate-specific antigen test or by DRE, can make a big difference in the success of treatment given at early enough times.
Certain risk factors, like age and family history, are not modifiable; however, other ways to lower one’s risk for prostate cancer include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, being knowledgeable about the disease, and getting regularly tested, which can lead to early intervention.
The risk of prostate cancer is noticeably increased with the advancement of age, and most cases are seen beyond the age of 65 years. Furthermore, family history also presents a chance: more so if a close male relative has had the disease-father or brother. Besides, genetic mutations typically associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, have also shown to increase the susceptibility for prostate cancer.
Race and ethnicity also play a role in the chances of having prostate cancer. Compared to other groups, African-American men are more prone to the disease and are diagnosed with more dangerous forms of the cancer. While the causes for this variation are not certain, besides socioeconomic factors, it is presumed that genetic and environmental reasons may be causative factors.
Modifiable risk factors include lifestyle-related determinants of risk in the form of dietary factors and physical activity. A diet high in red and processed meats, along with a low consumption of fruits and vegetables, may drive the creation of prostate cancer. Sedentary and overweight men are also more likely to develop the disease. It is believed that higher levels of these hormones, particularly testosterone, may encourage the growth of prostate cancer cells over time.
Less direct causes include heavy smoking and excessive drinking, which could lead to running a higher risk for the development of more aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Other risk factors for some men include toxic chemical exposure related to agricultural work or military service.
Early signs of prostate cancer are to be taken seriously. If the tumour is small, there are often no symptoms that bother the man too much, but as the tumour gets bigger, some men start to visit the bathroom more often, even at night. Also, it may take a little longer to get the urine stream going and to keep it flowing. At times, men may feel burning or pain while urinating. Although less frequent, blood in the urine or semen should never be neglected because it can be a signal towards prostate cancer. Moreover, impotence has also been reported; the disease may disturb sexual function.
At an advanced stage of prostate cancer, bone pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis is possible as cancer may metastasize to bones. Long-lasting pain in these parts may be a sign of an advanced stage of prostate cancer. If any of these symptoms do appear, medical attention should be sought. Screening, such as that from the prostate-specific antigen test or by DRE, can make a big difference in the success of treatment given at early enough times.
Certain risk factors, like age and family history, are not modifiable; however, other ways to lower one’s risk for prostate cancer include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, being knowledgeable about the disease, and getting regularly tested, which can lead to early intervention.
