All the varieties of cancers are the second leading cause of death in men and women. Prostate cancer comes in second place for cancer-caused male deaths. Around 28,000 men die from it every year in the USA.
PSA, prostate specific antigen, is a blood test used for detection of prostate cancer. The problem with PSA is that it is sometimes high for reasons other than cancer, and it doesn't indicate the cancer's aggressiveness. Most prostate cancer cases are not lethal. Why, then, do so many men die from it? First of all, many men have it. Almost all men in their 80s have patches of prostate cancer in their gland and many men in their 70s have it. A large percentage of these men will live out their full life span without ever having a single prostate cancer symptom.
If a man could be assured that his prostate cancer would not be lethal, that man most likely would choose not to treat it. Treatment can come at a price. It can lead to erectile dysfunction, urine leakage and the complications of radiation, such as damage to the rectum. For these and other reasons, the United States Preventive Task Force recommends that men 75 years and older or men with a life expectancy of less than 10 years not be tested with PSA.
Not everyone agrees with these guidelines. Testing for prostate cancer at older ages is something best left to a well-informed patient and his doctor. Prostate problems effect a man's activities and all ages can be effected. Men often know a lot more about a womens cycle than they do about their own sexual health. Problems with a male prostate as just as common that with womens period cycle issues.
Some of the symptoms with men with prostate problems are difficulty in urination with increased frequency of urination. Painful urination and having to get up at night to urinate are other symptoms. Pain in the lower back is another sign of possible prostate problems.
Experts in diet recommend that a good diet and exercise routine help in preventive and treatment of prostate problems. General recommendations are to reduce red meat and saturated fat in the diet and eat more fruit and vegetables. Drinking more water rather that coke and a good exercise program are essential both for prostate care and leading a better, healthier and happier life.
PSA, prostate specific antigen, is a blood test used for detection of prostate cancer. The problem with PSA is that it is sometimes high for reasons other than cancer, and it doesn't indicate the cancer's aggressiveness. Most prostate cancer cases are not lethal. Why, then, do so many men die from it? First of all, many men have it. Almost all men in their 80s have patches of prostate cancer in their gland and many men in their 70s have it. A large percentage of these men will live out their full life span without ever having a single prostate cancer symptom.
If a man could be assured that his prostate cancer would not be lethal, that man most likely would choose not to treat it. Treatment can come at a price. It can lead to erectile dysfunction, urine leakage and the complications of radiation, such as damage to the rectum. For these and other reasons, the United States Preventive Task Force recommends that men 75 years and older or men with a life expectancy of less than 10 years not be tested with PSA.
Not everyone agrees with these guidelines. Testing for prostate cancer at older ages is something best left to a well-informed patient and his doctor. Prostate problems effect a man's activities and all ages can be effected. Men often know a lot more about a womens cycle than they do about their own sexual health. Problems with a male prostate as just as common that with womens period cycle issues.
Some of the symptoms with men with prostate problems are difficulty in urination with increased frequency of urination. Painful urination and having to get up at night to urinate are other symptoms. Pain in the lower back is another sign of possible prostate problems.
Experts in diet recommend that a good diet and exercise routine help in preventive and treatment of prostate problems. General recommendations are to reduce red meat and saturated fat in the diet and eat more fruit and vegetables. Drinking more water rather that coke and a good exercise program are essential both for prostate care and leading a better, healthier and happier life.
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