Prostate Cancer
- By chextall
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- 09 Oct, 2017
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Prostate Cancer-what you need to know about the most common cancer in Australia
Did you know: Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Australia with 1 in 5 men at risk of developing prostate cancer in their lifetime and 20,000 men diagnosed and close to 3,300 deaths each year. More men die of prostate cancer each year than women do of breast cancer.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in the prostate. These abnormal cells can continue to multiply in an uncontrolled way and sometimes spread outside the prostate into nearby or distant parts of the body.
WHAT IS THE PROSTATE?
Only men have a prostate. It is a small gland that sits below the bladder near the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, the passage in the penis through which urine and semen pass.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
In the early stages, there may be no symptoms. In the later stages, some symptoms of prostate cancer might include:
· Feeling the frequent or sudden need to urinate
· Finding it difficult to urinate (for example, trouble starting or not being able to urinate when the feeling is there or poor urine flow)
· Discomfort when urinating
· Finding blood in urine or semen
· Pain in the lower back, upper thighs or hips.
These symptoms may not mean you have prostate cancer, but if you experience any of them, please see your doctor.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?
Factors that are most strongly linked to an increased chance of developing prostate cancer include:
Age: Prostate cancer is an age-dependent disease, which means the chance of developing it increases with age. The risk of getting prostate cancer by the age of 75 is 1 in 7 men. By the age of 85, this increases to 1 in 5.
Family history: If you have a first degree male relative with prostate cancer, you have a higher chance of developing it than men with no such history. The risk increases again if more than one male relative has prostate cancer. Risks are also higher for men whose male relatives were diagnosed when young.
Genetics: Genes are found in every cell of the body. They control the way the cells in the body grow and behave. Every person has a set of many thousands of genes inherited from both parents. Changes to genes can increase the risk of prostate cancer being passed from parent to child. Although prostate cancer can’t be inherited, a man can inherit genes that can increase the risk.
Diet: There is some evidence to suggest that eating a lot of processed meat or food that is high in fat can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Lifestyle: There is evidence to show that environment and lifestyle can affect the risk of developing prostate cancer.
HOW IS PROSTATE CANCER DETECTED AND DIAGNOSED?
Have you been checked?
Men over age 50, or 40 with a family history of prostate cancer, should talk to their doctor about testing for prostate cancer as part of their annual health check-up.
A doctor will usually do a blood test and/or physical examination to check the health of the prostate.
HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF DEVELOPING PROSTATE CANCER
There is no direct evidence that the following protective factors can stop prostate cancer from developing, but they can improve your overall health and possibly reduce the risk of prostate cancer:
Diet: Eat meals that are nutritious. Refer to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating. What is good for the heart is good for the prostate.
Physical activity/exercise: There is some evidence to show that physical activity and regular exercise can be protective factors for cancer. Try to exercise at least 30 minutes of a day.
If you have any concerns please see your doctor, our team is here to help and support you and your family to ensure optimal health and vitality.
Book to make an appointment now, call 02 4328 5200 or book online. We look forward to seeing you at the practice.
Resources:
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia
Australian Prostate Cancer