Kick Away Prostate Cancer
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Prostate cancer occurs when the normal glands become cancerous. The cancer cells grow and divide in the prostate and the cells spread to nearby organs, fatty tissue and lymph nodes.
Prostate cancer consists
of two stages:
· Early Stage- no symptoms; rare urinary difficulties
· Advanced Stage- involves bones, back and hip pains
*Symptoms are rare; therefore men do not detect prostate cancer until it is severe.
How is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
· Rectal Examination (DRE)- feel prostate for abnormalities
o Men over the age of forty should be examined yearly
·
PSA Testing (prostate-specific antigen blood test)
o Men over the age of fifty should be tested yearly
o African American and Hispanic men should begin testing at age forty because they are at a higher risk for prostate cancer.
*It is most effective to do both.
*If detected a biopsy should be performed.
Treatment for Prostate Cancer
Treatment depends on the stage, grade, patient age, and health status.
~ Radiation Therapy
~ Hormonal Therapy
~ Surgery (remove the gland)
Source: Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer; Epidemiology: Who's at Risk?