All about Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the cancers that most affects men, especially those over 40 years of age.

It is a disease that evolves very slowly and does not show signs and symptoms in its initial phase, which is why it is considered silent. When it evolves it can spread cancer cells to other parts of the body, and its complications can lead to death, so it is important to make that diagnosis very early.

The ways to diagnose this cancer early are to perform rectal examination, or to research the amount of PSA in the blood that is a prostate specific antigen, especially when there is a case of prostate cancer in the family.

An evaluation of the prostate once a year is recommended to see if everything is well with this important organ of the male urinary and reproductive system.

What is the prostate for?

The prostate is a gland the size of a ping-pong ball and its importance comes not only from its function, but also from its location.

It is located inside the groin, under the bladder, and in front of the rectum, and through it the urethra, which is the channel through which urine and semen come out. Its main function is to release a liquid during ejaculation, which joins the sperm and turns it into semen which is more fluid.

In addition, the fluid released by the prostate also reduces the acidity of the vagina as it passes through the canal, making it possible for sperm to survive passing through this canal.

What is prostate cancer?

It is a malignant tumor in the organ called the prostate which is a gland that only men have.

Cancer arises because of an abnormality in the reproduction of glandular cells, which leads to abnormal growth, with the accumulation of cancer cells, which can then go through the bloodstream to other parts of the body.

How can I prevent myself?

The main cause is genetics, that is, for those who have family members with the disease, the probability of having cancer is greater. But unfortunately, this is a characteristic that we cannot combat or modify.

Despite this, it is important to pay attention to healthy lifestyle habits, such as weight control, since obesity is also related to the increased risk of having the disease.

Avoid excessive red meat, exercise regularly, drink at least 6 glasses of water a day and sleep 8 hours a day, improve immunity and help fight any type of cancer.

Several studies have tried to link natural foods to cancer prevention, but the only substance that has gained some recognition is lycopene, found in high concentrations in red foods like tomatoes.

How do I know I have prostate cancer?

There are no early signs of prostate cancer, they only appear when the disease is advanced, and sometimes it may not even appear. That is why it is important to have diagnostic tests such as digital rectal examination and measurement of blood PSA levels after 40 years of age.

But when signs appear, it can be the presence of cancer in the urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, pain in the hip, back or other parts of the body, weakness in the legs or feet, weight loss and uncontrolled bladder.

Is there treatment for prostate cancer?

There are several treatments, including surgery to remove the gland, hormonal treatment, or even chemotherapy.

The treatment chosen depends on the stage of the cancerous lesion, if surgery and chemotherapy are the most common treatments if it is early.

And if it is at an advanced stage, hormonal blockers are recommended, which will inhibit the male hormone that is the food for the tumor, and chemotherapy.