Prostate cancer, the man killer.

The Man Killer

Prostate cancer is the male equivalent of breast cancer, which plagues millions of women. Fortunately, a little precaution can reduce the dangers of this cruel disease, and might even help save your life. It is crucial for men to pay attention to their health, especially as they age. This man killer is the third major cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Many men do not realize the severity of this hazardous disease and fail to receive regular health checkups. Starting with the growth of a malignant tumor inside the prostate gland it spreads by extending into the bladder, seminal vesicles, and peritoneal cavity. It eventually metastasizes to the bones, lymph nodes, lungs, liver, and kidneys. The cause of this disease is unknown, although recent studies find a small relation between increased testosterone levels and high dietary fat intake. Rarely occurring in men under 40 years of age, the highest level of occurrence is greatest in African-American men over 60 years old. Increased incidences are also associated with environmental exposure to cadmium, a metallic element. The lowest incidence of prostate cancer occurs in vegetarians. The illness is classified based on the tumor's aggressiveness and the degree it affects surrounding tissue. The usual classifications are staged or characterized by utilizing the Whitmore-Jewett system (A B C D system). The system groups tumors using the following scale: A: Tumor that cannot be detected by touch but only through microscopic tissue sampling. B: Tumor that can be detected by digital inspection and is still confined to the prostate. C: Spreading of the tumor beyond the prostate gland. D: The cancer has advanced to regional lymph nodes.

Risk factors The risk factors are well researched but commonly misunderstood. Some studies show positive associations with age, race, family history, and diet. Age: This disease is particularly common among older men. Its occurrence has been reported in over 40 percent of men aged seventy years or older. Race: Extreme variations in the number of cases and mortality rate of prostate cancer have been observed among different countries and in racial and ethnic groups. African-Americans suffers the highest mortality levels for this man killer in the world, followed by white males in Scandinavian countries. Asian males have the lowest mortality rate. Family History: Studies report that men who have family histories of it, fathers or brothers, are two or three times more likely to develop the disease. Diet: The main component associated with prostate cancer is consumption of fats and obesity. Individuals can actually reduce the chance of developing the disease by modifying their diet and controlling their weight.

The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test Men are now armed with a new, potentially life saving test. Please review this information, and become proactive regarding your health, especially men over 50 years of age. The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test