Archive for the ‘Prostate Cancer’ Category

Prostate Cancer Stages In Males

Wednesday, February 23rd, 2011

There are 5 relevant prostate cancer stages that one must be aware of to understand the full scope of the disease. Prostate cancer is one of the deadliest cancers affecting men today. More men die from Prostate Cancer then any other form of cancer. Yet, Prostate cancer is one the few cancers that, if it’s caught early enough, can be corrected or controlled.One in ten men will develop clinically significant prostate cancer in their lifetime. It is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in American males with 250 000 new cases reported annually. Prostate cancer is second only to lung cancer as a cause of cancer death in both the USA and the UK. Prostate cancer is rare among Orientals. It is more common in black than white Americans.

The main job of the prostate gland is to make seminal fluid, the milky substance that transports sperm. In most men, prostate cancer grows very slowly; most men will never even know they have the condition. Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75 years old.Other symptoms might include unintentional weight loss and lethargy. Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease are bone pain or tenderness, and abdominal pain. One symptom is a need to urinate frequently, especially at night.

Prostate cancer is any abnormal as well as malignant growth of cells in the tissues of the prostate gland and possibly all over and beyond the prostate.This is one of the stages of prostate cancer where the cancerous cells have spread outside the prostate into other parts of the victim’s body, causing damage along the way. There are four basic stages of prostate cancer.Treatment options can vary based on the stage of the tumor. What you can do now is begin to know what exactly your treatment options are and where you’re going to begin. Chemotherapy medications are often used to treat prostate cancers that are resistant to hormonal treatments.There is a newer test called AMACR that is more sensitive than the PSA test for determining the presence of prostate cancer. Urine or prostatic fluid cytology may reveal unusual cells. CT scans may be done to see if the cancer has metastasized (spread).

The outcome of prostate cancer varies greatly; mostly because the disease is found in older men who may have a variety of other complicating diseases or conditions, such as cardiac or respiratory disease, or disabilities that immobilize or greatly decrease their activities. Because prostate cancer is a slow-growing disease, many men with this disease will die from other causes before they die from prostate cancer.

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Is The Biopsy Of Prostate Cancer An Effective Diagnostic Tool?

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

Despite the fact that there are various different tests that can be undertaken if you suspect the presence of prostate cancer, the only sure way to detect the condition is through a prostate cancer biopsy. But precisely how successful is the prostate biopsy procedure when it comes to confirming this disease?

In the US alone every year there are in the region of one million prostate cancer biopsy procedures performed of which around 25 percent indicate the existence of prostate cancer. Of the remaining 75 percent of prostate biopsies however about one-third indicate false negative results. This means that roughly 25 percent of all men being subjected to a prostate biopsy are cleared by this test, despite the fact that they have prostate cancer.

On the face of it therefore it may appear that the prostate cancer biopsy is not a very effective test but the results do not show that there is anything wrong with the prostate biopsy procedure as a means of diagnosing the presence of prostate cancer. What it does clearly mean however is that there is a need to detect those individuals who, in spite of they have returned a negative result, are nevertheless at high risk from prostate cancer and should therefore to undergo a second follow-up biopsy.

The problem is that until very recently there has been no easy method of determining those patients at risk. However, a study of more than 500 patients being investigated for the presence of prostate cancer may now provide a solution.

All of the individuals investigated in the study had already received a negative prostate biopsy result but the researchers discovered that when they looked at the patient’s prostate specific antigen (PSA) test results and these were adjusted to take account of the size of the prostate gland they were able to identify those individuals who were likely to return positive results on a second biopsy.

The researchers also found that men with a Gleeson score of 7 or more were at an increased risk from life-threatening prostate cancer and were again more likely to receive a positive result from a further biopsy. The Gleeson score is measured on a scale between 2 and 10 and the score is calculated from a laboratory investigation of the prostate biopsy tissue. Low scores indicate cancer with a relatively low risk of spread and high scores indicate cancer which is more likely to spread.

There are various different prostate biopsy procedures available nowadays although perhaps the most often used procedure is known as the core needle biopsy. In this case a number of tiny tissue samples are removed from different areas of the prostrate gland with a biopsy gun which shoots a needle into the selected section to remove the sample within a fraction of a second. These samples are then sent off for microscopic analysis to ascertain whether or not cancer is present and, if it is, to work out precisely how much of the prostate gland is affected.

A prostate cancer biopsy is a costly procedure and is a test which can be reasonably distressing for the subject. It is sometimes also a quite painful procedure which can be accompanied by bleeding and the risk of infection. Consequently it is important to identify those patients for whom a follow-up biopsy would be wise and to reduce as far as possible the number of needless follow-up biopsies being done every year.

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Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

Monday, February 21st, 2011

As with many diseases, there are many prostate cancer treatment options. The types of cancer treatments are divided into two categories. These categories are standard treatments and clinical trail treatments. The standard treatments are options that are regularly used while the clinical trails are options that are currently being studied. The following is a list of the standard prostate cancer treatment options and information about each.

The first standard prostate treatment is called Watchful Waiting. In men with other medical conditions or men with early stages of the cancer doctors will keep a close eye on the situation to only move forward when absolutely necessary.

The second standard treatment is Prostate Surgery . This option is available to men with the cancer who are in good health. There are three types of surgery which are Pelvic Lymphadenectomy, Radical Prostatectomy and Transurethral Resection of the Prostate.

The third standard prostate cancer treatment is Radiation Therapy. In Radiation Therapy radioactive waves are concentrated on the prostate to kill the cancerous cells or limit their growth. The two types of Radiation Therapy are External Radiation Therapy and Internal Radiation Therapy. Men who are treated with this type of Radiation Therapy have a higher risk of developing bladder cancer.

The forth type of standard treatment is Hormone Therapy. In this treatment male sex hormones are blocked or removed from the system to stop the spread of the prostate cancer. This type of treatment can have many side effects including impotence, hot flashes, weakened bones and nausea.

In addition factors such as your age, general health and what you want to achieve from the treatment will also be taken into consideration. The elderly may suffer from surgery much more than they would suffer with prostate cancer and so they may choose to do nothing except slow down the growth and spread of the disease. Younger men however may want to remove the cancer entirely and so opt for surgery and then probably radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancerous cells.

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Prostate Cancer Survival Rates Information

Monday, February 21st, 2011

Before we begin quoting numbers and statistics we will tell you something you may, or not know already. We will briefly explain the how the prostate cancer survival rates are calculated. The survival rate is a 5 year study that refers to the patients who survive 5 years, or more, after the initial diagnosis. This is helps in determining the prognosis, or outlook of patients. Since the diagnosis and treatment started 5 years prior, to any diagnoses presented today, new cases would be expected to have a better prognosis, due to developments in treatment.

Prostate cancer develops in the male gland and can spread to other parts of the body particularly the lymph nodes and bones. It may cause difficulty in urination, pain, or ED along with any number of other symptoms that can occur later in the disease. Traditional treatments have been surgery, radiation, and proton.

1)Prostate cancer is second only to lung cancer in cancer related death.
2) Until recently numbers in deaths due to this were rising. In 1932 17 in every 100,000 men died from this, in 1991 the figure had rose to 25 in 100,000. Reasons for these rises are speculative at best.
3)Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer in men, the first being skin cancer.
4)1 in 35 will die from this cancer. Prostate cancer claims 10% of all cancer related deaths for men.
5)According to the American Cancer Society, almost 100% of all prostate cancer patients survive 5 years, (99.9% white and 97.6% black men,) that rate is 91% at 10 years and 76% at 15 years. Keep in mind the above mentioned factor when considering survival rates.
6)The average age for prostate cancer related deaths from ’98 to ’02 was 82, with almost no deaths reported under the age of 44.
7)Stage of diagnosis is important. Survival rate is almost 100% for local or regional diagnosis, with that rate dropping to 33.3% for distant or metasized cancers.
8)There is a lifetime risk of over 13% for every male born today of receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis.
9)There are seldom any symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer, diagnosis usually begins due to an elevated PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) count in a routine blood test.
10)Primary reasons for developing this type of cancer are still unclear. Even though age, genetics, and diet are believed to be contributing factors.

The facts presented here are the same facts presented by the American Cancer Society, and eMedtv, and both references seem to point to the same conclusions. Early detection of this potentially deadly condition is imperative to increase the chances for survival. Meanwhile, ongoing research makes advances very day.

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Prostate Cancer Statistics And Survival Rates

Sunday, February 20th, 2011

Before we begin quoting numbers and the prostate cancer statistics we will tell you something you may, or not know already. We will briefly explain the how the survival rates are calculated. The survival rates are a 5 year study that refers to the patients who survive 5 years, or more, after the initial diagnosis. This is helps in determining the prognosis, or outlook of patients. Since the diagnosis and treatment started 5 years prior, to any diagnoses presented today, new cases would be expected to have a better prognosis, due to developments in treatment.

It develops within the male gland and may unfold to other elements of the body particularly the lymph nodes and bones. it may cause problem in urination, pain, or erectile dysfunction beside any number of different symptoms which will happen later within the disease. ancient treatments are surgery, radiation, and proton.

1) Second only to lung cancer in cancer related death.
2) Until recently numbers in deaths due to this were rising. In 1932 17 in every 100,000 men died from this, in 1991 the figure had rose to 25 in 100,000. Reasons for these rises are speculative at best.
3) The second most common type of cancer in men, the first being cancer of skin.
4) 1 in 35 will die from this cancer. It claims 10% of all cancer related deaths for men.
5) According to the American Cancer Society, almost 100% of patients survive 5 years, (99.9% white and 97.6% black men,) that rate is 91% at 10 years and 76% at 15 years. Keep in mind the above mentioned factor when considering survival rates.
6) The average age for related deaths from ’98 to ’02 was 80, with almost no deaths reported under the age of 44.
7) Stage of diagnosis is essential. Survival rate is almost 100% for local or regional diagnosis, with that rate dropping to 31.3% for distant or metasized cancers.
icon cool Prostate Cancer Statistics And Survival Rates There is a lifetime risk of over 17% for every male born today of receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis.
9) There are seldom any symptoms in the early stages. Diagnosis usually begins due to an elevated PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) count in a routine blood test.
10) Primary reasons for developing this type of cancer are still unclear. Although age, genetics, and diet are believed to be contributing factors.

The facts presented here are the same facts presented by the American Cancer Society, and eMedtv, and both references seem to point to the same conclusions. Early detection of this potentially deadly condition is imperative to increase the chances for survival. Meanwhile, ongoing research makes advances very day.

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Your Prostate Is Your Weakest Link

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

prostate health is one of the most important concerns for men, and each man should have it checked yearly after a certain age. Most prostate problems for men happen past age 65, which is why good prostate health is so important earlier in life. However, maintaining a healthy gland is still the best way to avoid having to undergo strenuous treatment tactics to manage these problems. I certainly feel that having a healthy prostate is an excellent way to keep cancer at bay. Maintaining it healthy is still the best way to avoid treatment techniques that may cause discomfort and pain. 

1- A 2003 study found that men who got the most ultraviolet (UV) exposure from sunlight tended to maintain healthier glands than those who got very little UV. Spend more time in your back yard — or in your garden, on a hiking trail or in a sprawling meadow — means you're out in the sun.

2- A 10-20 minute prostate massage at least once a month, and as often as once a day, is important for a healthy gland. This can help equal the sensual playing field between partners; if a healthy prostate is massaged correctly, it can become super stimulated and feel like it is glowing. 

There are other ways of determining a healthy prostate, one of them being a blood test which measures the concentration of a protein called Prostate Specific Antigen. There are three well-known plants that are often used to help promote a healthy prostate. One of them, Saw palmetto has been tested in numerous clinical studies and it has now been shown to help promote a healthy prostate in several ways. Another important benefit of saw palmetto, Pygeum, Stinging Nettles and beta sitosterol is that they help control unhealthy DHT levels and estrogen levels. It is probably the reason why Saw Palmetto, Pygeum and Stinging Nettles work so well to promote healthy prostate function. 

Natural prostate health is the best choice that many men are making today to ensure their health, since natural health is about taking care of your body as a whole. Remember that a healthy body means a healthy prostate, and the key to good prostate health is to keep your body in tiptop shape through exercise, proper drinking habits, and vitamins and minerals.

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Risk Factors For Prostate Cancer

Thursday, March 18th, 2010

The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped sex gland in men that produces the seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. The growth of the cells in the prostate gland is stimulated by the male sex hormone called testosterone. Though its causes are unknown, prostate cancer is a frightening prospect for men. This cancer threatens not just their lives, but also their sexuality. Possible consequences of treatment include erectile dysfunction and bladder control problems. Prostate cancer progresses very slowly and the early stages show little or no symptoms. If detected early, effective treatment with minimum side effects is possible. Once the cancer spreads (metastizes) treatment becomes more difficult.

A man's vulnerability to prostate cancer increases with age. Most often, prostate cancer is detected very late and people who lose their lives do not die from prostate cancer, but die WITH prostate cancer. As the cancer develops, it eventually squeezes the urethra, which surrounds the prostate. This is when signs and symptoms begin to appear: -Urgency in urination -Difficulty in starting urination -Dull, persistent ache in the lower pelvic area -Painful urination, a very slow flow (almost like a dribble) -Intermittent urine flow, and a sensation that the bladder is not empty -Frequent urination, sometimes including blood -Painful ejaculation -Persistent pain in the bones, lower back, hip and thighs -General ill health, loss of appetite, and decline in weight If the cells from the cancerous prostrate break away, the cancer will spread.

Most commonly, prostate cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, bones in the hips or the lower back, lungs, and sometimes even the brain. Risk factors: The risk of prostate cancer increases with age. As with almost any other cancer, heredity also plays a key role. For reasons unknown, African-American men seem to have a higher risk of prostate cancer. A fat-rich diet and sedentary lifestyle also contributes to the risk. Fat causes an increased production of testosterone, which may in turn lead to the development of cancer cells. High levels of testosterone mean higher chances of developing prostate cancer. Therefore men who suffer from hypogonadism, or have been undergoing long-term testosterone treatments are at risk. A vasectomy may also result in prostate cancer, though there is no conclusive proof of this.

A routine screening test may reveal the beginnings of prostate cancer. A DRE (Digital Rectal Examination), which involves inserting a gloved finger into the rectum, helps the doctor to examine the prostate. Any change in shape or size of the gland may mean trouble. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test analyzes a blood sample for the levels of PSA. If a higher than normal level is detected, a prostate infection or cancer may be suspected.

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