Prostate Cancer Symptoms Archives

Think You Have Prostate Cancer Symptoms? – What to Look For and What Questions to Ask Your Doctor

When discussing prostate cancer symptoms, it is vital at the outset to be clear. Its a fact that not all men do actually get symptoms that show they have prostate cancer. In those men that do, not all men have exactly the same symptoms.

There are generally no actual symptoms for example associated with early prostate cancer.

However, if and when they appear, the symptoms tend to manifest with the following presentation:

• Difficulty or pain when passing urine

• The need to pass urine more often, especially at night (frequency)

• Broken sleep due to increased visits to pass urine

• Straining to pass urine when you go to the toilet

• Waiting for long periods before the urine flows (hesitancy)

• The feeling that the bladder has not emptied fully when you have finished urinating.

• Dribbling after urination is complete

These symptoms are sometimes associated with early disease and can be the first signs of prostate enlargement. Other possible symptoms, which can be associated with later stage prostate disease, are:

• Blood in the urine (unusual)

• Pain in the pelvis or loins

• Blood in the sperm (very rare)

• General bone pain

• Weight loss

• Impotence

It is important to realise that any of these symptoms are also caused by problems that may have nothing to do with prostate ill health. Its an odd fact that not every symptom that could be prostate cancer is actually so!

Do therefore discuss any of these symptoms with you doctor so that they can be investigated

* Questions to ask the doctor

The following questions should be directed towards your doctor.

- General

• Do you think that I may have a problem with my prostate?

• What tests should I consider and what is involved?

• If you do find Prostate Cancer, what is the next step in the process?

- Specific

• How certain can you be that I have prostate cancer and not another prostate related condition?

• What can you tell me about the cancer( e.g size, position, speed and growth)?

•Which do you feel would be the most appropriate treatment for me and why?

•If I choose to be treated, will the treatment actually relieve my symptoms?

• What are the side- effects of the treatment and how might they affect my lifestyle?

Prostate cancer symptoms are complex and need a lot of thought and consideration before a confirmation of diagnosis can be made.

It is imperative that you seek further information as well as discuss with your doctor if concerned.

Preventative measures should also be employed to promote good prostate health

EA Greville has a passionate interest in providing accessible information and resources to those affected by Prostate Cancer. For more of the same head over to http://www.prostatenews.co.uk
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5 Early Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Some statistics indicate that the survival rate of prostate cancer can be as high as 98 percent if the disease is caught in its early stages. But, how can one go about ensuring their prostate cancer gets diagnosed in time? Even with regular prostate screenings, the tumors have to be big enough to be noticeable. Well, you might not be able to catch prostate cancer at Stage 1, but if you pay attention to your body and let your doctor aware of anything unusual during your check-ups, you increase your chances of catching it as it goes into Stage 2. To appropriately do this, you need to be aware of the 5 early symptoms of prostate cancer. They are explained in greater detail below.

1. Urinary Difficulties

The first symptoms of prostate cancer are urinary difficulties. You may be wondering why urinary difficulties in this list of prostate cancer symptoms if the bladder is not the prostate gland? It’s simple; as the tumors grow they press up against the organ, which is still very close to the prostate. When this happens a man will experience incontinence, trouble urinating at all, (despite incontinence) and a very low urine flow.

2. The Presence of Blood

Symptom 2 s even more alarming than urinary incontinence. It involves the presence of blood in a man’s urine and/or semen.

3. Erectile Dysfunction

Of the symptoms listed in the here, erectile dysfunction makes the most sense, since the prostate gland is a sexual organ. However, erectile dysfunction is such a common problem among older men, they may not even suspect prostate cancer. They may think they are experiencing a psychological problem, or perhaps that they just need a dose of Viagra. Either way, it’s not worth the risk. If you are experiencing erectile dysfunction, discuss it with your doctor to make sure prostate cancer can be fully ruled out.

4. Swelling in the Legs

How can swelling in the legs be on the list of the 5 early symptoms of prostate cancer? It’s because when the disease starts to metastasize, it will spread into the lymph nodes. As a consequence the unhealthy lymph nodes will start to accumulate in the legs, resulting in swelling.

5. Pelvic Discomfort

Pelvic discomfort is on the list of the symptoms of prostate cancer because when the disease affects the lymph nodes, it can cause them to press up against the nerves in the pelvis, resulting in pain.

In conclusion, pay attention to the list of the 5 early symptoms of prostate cancer. If you are experiencing any of them, discuss the situation with your doctor. If he or she suspects you have prostate cancer, they will perform a series of tests including a general rectal exam, an ultrasound and blood tests. Should a tumor be found, they perform a biopsy to determine if it is prostate cancer.

You can learn more about prostate cancer as well as the symptoms of prostate cancer on my website http://www.SymptomsOfProstateCancer.info. My website includes a whole range of articles focusing on the problems caused by prostate cancer, treatments and of course what you should do if you think you have prostate cancer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Pedersen
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Prostate Cancer – Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Treatment and Prognosis

Prostatic cancer is the most common cancer in men over the age of fifty.

Adenocarcinoma is the most common form.

Prostate cancers seldom produce symptoms until the cancer is in the advanced stage so early diagnosis is essential as in the early stages the disease is curable.

Location and Function

The Prostate is an organ forming part of the male reproductive system. It is located immediately below the bladder and just in front of the bowel. Its main function is to produce fluid which protects and enriches sperm.

In younger men the prostate is about the size of a walnut. It is doughnut shaped as it surrounds the beginning of the urethra, the tube that conveys urine from the bladder to the penis. The nerves that control erections surround the prostate.

Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

• Waking frequently at night to urinate

• Sudden or urgent need to urinate

• Difficulty in starting to urinate

• Slow flow of urine and difficulty in stopping

• Discomfort when urinating

• Painful ejaculation

• Blood in the urine or semen

• Decrease in libido (sex urge)

• Reduced ability to get an erection

Most men tend to accept the onset of one or more of these symptoms as being a natural consequence of ageing. However, anyone experiencing any of the above symptoms is advised to consult a doctor without delay. Early expert diagnosis and treatment of tumors is important and may avert potentially serious health consequences.

Prostate carcinoma is usually one of the slower growing cancers. In the past, it was most frequently encountered in men over 70, and many of those men died of other causes before their prostate tumour could kill them. This led to the old saying “most men die with, not of, prostrate cancer”.

However, that is certainly is not true today. Three developments have changed things considerably:

• Men are living longer, giving the cancer more time to spread beyond the prostate, with potentially fatal consequences.

• More men in their early sixties, fifties and even forties are being detected with prostate cancer. Earlier on-set, combined with the greater male life expectancy, means those cancers have more time to spread and become life-threatening unless diagnosed and treated.

• Prostate cancer in younger men often tends to be more aggressive and hence more life-threatening within a shorter time.

Risk Factors and PSA Testing

Risk factors for prostate cancer include diets high in fat and low in vegetables. Risk factors include; age, 75% of cases are in men over 65 years and familial sufferers. Prostate cancer is most often discovered by physical examination or by screening blood tests, such as the PSA (prostate specific antigen) test.

The PSA test measures the blood level of prostate-specific antigen, an enzyme produced by the prostate. The risk of prostate cancer increases with increasing PSA levels.

The majority of men who reach age 85, in fact, have cancerous prostate cells, but the disease is developing so gradually that it never threatens their quality of life.

Genetic factors play a role, particularly for families in whom the diagnosis is made in men under 60 years of age, and the risk of prostate cancer rises with the number of close relatives who have the disease.

Preventative measures

Researchers at Harvard University found that men who ate cooked tomatoes or foods made with them (tomato sauce or ketchup, for instance) more than twice a week were less likely to develop prostate cancer.

Daily use of anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen may decrease prostate cancer risk.

Frequent ejaculations also seem to have a definite protective effect against Prostrate cancer.

Many prostate cancers are not destined to be lethal, and most men will ultimately die from causes other than of the disease. Because many prostate tumors are slow growing, survival rates are excellent when the disease is detected in its early stages.

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

The most appropriate treatment is primarily determined by the stage and aggressiveness (how quickly it is growing and spreading) of the disease when it is discovered. Detecting prostate cancer early is the key to beating the disease.

Many factors affect the decision whether or not to treat the disease: the patient’s age, whether the cancer has spread, the presence of other medical conditions, and the patient’s overall health.

Treatment for prostate cancer may involve watchful waiting, surgery, radiation therapy including brachytherapy and external beam radiation, High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU), chemotherapy, cryosurgery, hormonal therapy, or some combination.

Because all treatments can have significant side effects, such as erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence, treatment discussions often focus on balancing the goals of therapy with the risks of lifestyle alterations. Natural treatments for prostate cancer symptoms are also worth looking at.

About the Author:Dick Aronson has been involved in the healthcare industry for 35 years. He has written numerous articles on the subject and runs a number of informative websites, viz: rel="nofollow" href="http://www.cancerinformation-online.com/">Go to Cancer Information-online , rel="nofollow" href="http://www.Prostateinformation-online.com/">Go to Prostate Cancer Information and rel="nofollow" href="http://www.healthinnovationsonline.com/">Go to Health Innovations
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Prostate Cancer – Causes, Signs and Symptoms, Treatment and Prognosis
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From A Nurse – Help For Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Men younger than 40 are rarely ever diagnosed with prostate cancer but should be vigilant, never-the-less. The most common cancer in American men, excluding skin cancer, is prostate cancer. You may have just been diagnosed with prostate cancer and don’t know what to do; the first thing to do is don’t panic, generally it’s slow-growing – next change your diet to living foods.

If you have prostate cancer, are concerned about getting it, or if you’re looking out for the health of someone you love, this article can help. Early prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland itself; most of the patients with this type of cancer can live for years without any problems. The prostate gland is located directly beneath the bladder and in front of the rectum.

Blood in the urine or semen and frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs can be symptoms of cancer. Most prostate cancer symptoms, although associated with prostate cancer, are more likely to be connected to non-cancerous conditions. Because prostate cancer symptoms can mimic other diseases or disorders, men who experience any of these symptoms should undergo a thorough work-up to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms.

Some men will experience symptoms that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer. The need to urinate frequently, especially at night is another symptom. One prostate cancer symptom is difficulty starting urination or holding back urine.

The decision about whether to pursue a PSA test should be based on a discussion between you and your doctor. CT scans may be done to see if the cancer has metastasized (spread). A urinalysis may indicate if there is blood in the urine, which may or may not be related.

There are several potential downsides to PSA testing; for example a high PSA does not always mean a patient has prostate cancer. A PSA test with a high level can also be from a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. When a digital rectal exam is performed it often reveals an enlarged prostate with a hard, irregular surface.

Surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy can interfere with libido on a temporary or permanent basis. Be aware that some men chose natural treatment options and forgo any surgery, radiation or chemotherapy. Impotence is a potential complication after a prostatectomy or after radiation therapy.

Urinary incontinence can be one of the possible complications of surgery. Recent improvements in surgical procedures have made complications occur less often. The approaches to treatment include: just ever watchful waiting to see whether the cancer is growing slowly and not causing any symptoms.

The conventional treatment of prostate cancer is often controversial. Whether radiation is as good as removing the prostate gland is debatable and the decision about which to choose, if any, can be difficult. Many men simply want the best treatment they can get but what’s important is choosing the best treatment for you.

Thoroughly discuss all your treatment options and concerns with your doctor and other health professionals; it never hurts to get a second or even third opinion or more if necessary – don’t be afraid to ask. Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of all available treatment options. Radiation therapy to the prostate gland is either external or internal, both of which use high-energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.

Eat a lot of fruits and veggies every day, not just a token banana or apple. Buy lacinato kale and juice it in your juicer with sweet carrots. If possible eliminate all hormone-containing foods like meat and dairy from your diet.

Concentrating on a diet of predominately fruits and vegetables (preferably uncooked) and no junk food, should give you an observable improvement in your health within 30 days. For natural treatment for the prostate make an appointment with a naturopathic doctor, called a naturopath; ask around for referrals. Make highly nutritious raw applesauce using a food processor and put in 3-4 cored pesticide-free apples, with the skin on, and mix for a minute; so much better for you than canned highly processed applesauce and add 1/4 tsp. cinnamon or two tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseed for another boost.

Eat at least one, preferably two organic apples with the skin on every day. Add a small handful of kale or spinach to your fruit smoothie and blend– know one will ever know. Get familiar with juicing and juice every day for an extra phytonutrient boost.

If you haven’t been diagnosed but are concerned about symptoms you should call for an appointment to see your doctor; and if you’re a man older than 50 who has never been screened for prostate cancer (by rectal exam and/or PSA level determination) or not had a regular annual exam, or have had a family history of prostate cancer, make an appointment soon. Make sure to read everything you can about natural and conventional treatment online and offline. The one thing that you should not do however is rely on information obtained from the Internet to make your final decision; double-check everything.

About the Author:For more information on prostate cancer treatments and prostate cancer symptoms go to http://www.BestProstateHealthTips.com Helen Hecker R.N.’s website specializing in prostate and prostate cancer tips, advice and resources, including information on prostate tests and natural prostate cancer treatments
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – From A Nurse – Help For Prostate Cancer Symptoms
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Do You Know The 17 Different Signs and Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer?

One of the reasons prostate cancer is so common is because it’s very difficult to detect in the early stages. Around 50% of sufferers are 75 years of age or older, and often the symptoms are simply put down to old age. Prostate cancer is sometimes called the silent disease, simply because it sneaks up on the sufferer without any obvious warning.

It’s a sad fact, but many men don’t take the threat of prostate cancer in the manner they should. Perhaps this is because of the embarrassment and joking surround the idea of a prostate examination. Unfortunately, the more advanced the cancer is when it’s discovered, the harder it is to cure. Early detection gives a high chance of recovery. Some medical professionals have suggested an annual blood test to determine if prostate cancer is present, but so far this suggestions hasn’t met with widespread acceptance.

Some of the most common symptoms of prostate cancer are listed below. It’s important to realize that many of these symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well, so the presence of one or more may not indicate prostate cancer. However if you experience these symptoms regularly, it’s a good idea to have yourself checked by your doctor, so that he can make an accurate diagnosis of the problem. The symptoms to look for include:
# Difficulty commencing urination

# Increased frequency of urge to urinate, particularly at night

# Feeling like you need to hurry when urinating

# Feeling that your bladder isn’t empty when you’ve finished urinating

# It takes a long time to finish urinating, with the last part coming out as a dribble

# Pain upon urinating

# Much weaker urine stream than usual

# Painful ejaculations

# Urine that contains blood

# Pain occurring in the genital area

# Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection

# Pain isolated in the lower back

# Pain in the hip area and pelvic regions

As the disease can progress unnoticed for some time, many men don’t recognize they have a problem until they develop more severe symptoms, such as:
# An unexplained weight loss

# Extreme tiredness or fatigue

# Isolated pain in the bones of the back, hips, thighs and neck

# Anemia

Another element to be aware of is that prostate cancer may run in families. So if you have a close male relative diagnosed with prostate cancer, such as a brother, then your risk of developing the cancer yourself is three times higher than average. If your brother was still under sixty, then your risk is four times higher. Even if the male relative isn’t so closely related, it’s possible your risk level is higher, so annual examinations over the age of fifty are a good idea.

It’s important to consider the age at which male relatives develop prostate cancer, because if the sufferers are fairly young (i.e. between 50 and 60) then it’s highly likely a faulty gene is causing the cancer – and it’s also highly likely that you have the same gene. There’s no way of testing this, so the only prevention possible is to keep having the prostate gland checked by your doctor, so that at least any problems can be detected as early as possible, which gives you a much better chance of a cure.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tim_Gorman
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