Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate. A prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. The cancer develops when the cells in the prostate mutate and uncontrollably start to multiply. This type of cancer may metastasize to parts such as the bones as well as the lymph nodes.

Normally this type of cancer does not show any signs in the early stages. In many occasions it is noticed when one goes for a routine check up. Some of the signs and the symptoms of this disease are painful urination, discomfort during sexual intercourse and erectile dysfunction. Other signs of prostate cancer include, frequent urination and especially at night. One may also have a problem starting and maintaining a steady stream of urine. There may also be blood in the urine.

When cancer of the prostate spreads to other parts of the body, it causes additional symptoms. One such symptom is bone pain mostly in the vertebrae, the pelvis, the ribs and to bones such as the femur. When this cancer spreads to the spine, it compresses the spinal code causing leg weaknesses.

The cause of this type of cancer is unknown but the risk of developing the disease is related to a man's age, diet, genetics, race, medications and lifestyle among other factors. The major cause of prostate cancer however is age. The average age of diagnosis is usually at age 70. A study in the Unites States showed that this type of cancer affects mostly black men as compared to white and Hispanic men. Men who have a close relative with the disease for example a brother or even a father have twice the risk of developing the disease. Low intake of vitamin E and the mineral selenium increases the risk of developing the disease. However, daily use of medicines such as aspirin, ibrufen may decrease the risk of developing the disease. Treatment of prostate cancer can be through surgery, radiation therapy as well as brachytherapy.

Mercy Maranga Reports on Health and Fitness issues. Visit Her Site here for more information on cancer and its treatment Cancer