The prostate is a reasonably small gland that is approximately the size of a walnut and is situated under the bladder and in front of the rectum. An important gland, the prostate produces the fluid that helps to carry male sperm.
One major problem which can and often does arise with the prostate gland is prostate cancer which is a serious and life-threatening condition which currently strikes roughly one man in ten and is the second most common cause of cancer related death in men today.
Just how does this condition begin?
Prostate cancer begins as a malignant tumor in the prostate gland which, if left untreated, is likely to spread into neighboring tissue and organs and then into the lymph nodes and bone.
What are the risk factors involved when it comes to contracting prostate cancer?
Nearly three-quarters of those affected with with disease are over the age of 65.
Men with family members such as a grandfather or father who have had cancer of the prostate are up to 11 times more likely to develop prostate cancer.
The death rate in men with this condition rises with weight and is especially high in men who are obese.
Caucasian men are more than twice as likely to contract this disease than men of African decent.
Is there anything I can do to prevent myself from contracting prostate cancer?
In reality there is nothing which you can do to prevent yourself from getting this condition although there is some belief that eating a healthy diet can reduce the possibilities. At the moment there is very little substantive evidence to support this.
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
There are several tests available including the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test, a digital rectal examination and a biopsy.
The PSA test is a blood test which detects the level of a prostate specific antigen in the bloodstream. High PSA levels are not an indication of prostate cancer but are an indication of possible problems that ought to be investigated further.
The digital rectal examination requires a doctor to put on a glove and insert a lubricated finger into the anus to feel the prostate for enlargement or irregularity.
In the case of a biopsy the doctor will take several tissue samples from the prostate which will then be taken to a lab where they are checked under a microscope for any signs of cancerous cells.