Prostate Cancer Info And TreatmentProstate cancer is unusual from other types of cancer, in that advanced, metastatic prostate cancer can often be successfully treated, with the person surviving in excellent health for many years. Prostate cancer is often found through a blood test measuring the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the body. Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer have no symptoms and only find their cancer due to having a screening. Prostate cancer is rarely seem in men younger than 45, and the chance of getting it goes up sharply as a man gets older. Prostate cancer starts in the cells of the prostate gland, part of the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among American men, and is more common among African American men than white men. Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer among men in the United States and is the second leading cause of death to cancer in men. While the disease will claim nearly 30,000 deaths this year, growing evidence that educational efforts leading to early detection and diagnosis are resulting in lower mortality. Prostate cancer has been the source of enormous public and professional interest over the last few years, and the recent introduction of PSA screening and changes in disease management have led to changes in incidence trends and treatment. Prostate cancer generally takes a long time to progress and it can take 10 years before it is detected, however, some men have a particularly aggressive form of this disease, and the disease can grow and spread more quickly. The process of prostate cancer screening seems to present a conundrum. Some forms grow so slowly, they may not need any treatment at all. Prostate cancer is one condition that can cause large amounts of PSA to leech into the bloodstream, where a raised PSA blood level may indicate the possibility of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer typically grows slowly, and if tumors are detected and treated early, chances of survival are very good. Screening for prostate cancer involves performing a digital-rectal examination and taking prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. Cancer of the prostate is one of the most commonly occurring cancers in men in the United States, where prostate cancer was diagnosed in 5,318 men, who tended to be older and with a higher BMI. Prostate cancer patients are prescribed medication they often stay on them for the duration of their life, and researchers have been documenting the potential adverse effects associated with their use. Men may experience side effects such as hot flashes, osteoporosis, anemia, fatigue, loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, risk of diabetes, risk of cardiovascular disease, and emotional distress. A steep increase in annual incidence rates occurred with the introduction of screening for prostate specific antigen (PSA), which permitted diagnosis at earlier stages. |