PROSTRATE CANCER - MEET THE KILLER OF MEN.

With six to ten cases of prostrate cancer found in men within the age group of 65 years, it has become one of the deadliest forms of cancer currently - the sixth leading cause of death among men. The burden is expected to grow to 1.7 million new cases by 2030 due to population growth worldwide. And while even national registries are showing a steady rise, doctors say prostrate cancer can be beaten, but only if there is early diagnosis. Unfortunately, the exact cause of prostrate is still not known and some studies claim obese men face greater risk. But an advanced prostrate, combined with pain and problems in urinating, requires attention and must never be neglected. Famous names who have managed to fight off prostrate cancer include actors Ian Mckellen, Robert DeNiro, US Secretary of State, John Kerry and billionaire Warren Buffet.

Pain remains a major symptom: Many patients try to ignore early symptoms - that gradual but debilitating pain. Then there are those who are not aware of a problem until they start suffering from problems during urination. Most approach doctors only after they feel a burning sensation while urinating. Patients often ignore both the pain and the burning sensation. Dr. M. Gopichand, urologist at Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences explains, "Many ignore early symptoms and come to us at the very advanced stages. At the same time, the national registry has shown a rise in prostrate cancer cases which is due to changing lifestyles and modern diagnostic tools that are picking up the disease early. Also, prostrate cancer remains latent in the body without ever causing harm in the very early stages. It has been found that five to ten percent of the cases are found to run in the family. So, men whose father, brothers or first relatives have had prostrate cancer must get themselves checked annually as there is a high chance they will develop the disease too".  

Check your PSA levels regularly: Early prostrate cancer can be detected through efficient screening. Although, it may remain latent in the body without causing any harm there are symptoms such as general weakness, uninterrupted flow of urine, inability to urinate, difficulty in starting or stopping urine flow  especially at night. Also, there are many patients who complain of pain or a burning while passing urine. Dr. G. Srinivas, urologist at Kamineni Hospitals explains, "Early screening is the best way to diagnose prostrate cancer. A simple blood test called PSA should be carried out annually once a man reaches 55 years. But this is extremely important for men who have already been identified with a problem of the prostrate. When the cancer is identified at an early stage, the chances of cure are better given the tremendous progress in treatments. Earlier, there were chances of relapse but now, with technological advances and proper post-treatment care chances of a relapse have dipped drastically".

Leading causes of Prostrate Cancer: 

1. Obesity;
2. Smoking;
3. Excessive intake of alcohol;
4. Faulty genes like BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 which have been linked to breast and ovarian cancer in women are also found to play a role in prostrate cancer;
5. Age factor - above 55 years.

Preventive Measures:

1. Physical activity - brisk walking, running or cycling;
2. Reduced intake of high-fat foods and increased intake of green vegetables and fruits.

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