In this article I will look at Prostate Cancer. At the outset we look at what Prostate Cancer is, we then consider the causes of Prostate Cancer, the risk factors associated with Prostate Cancer and finally a selection of treatments available and current management strategies.

 

What is it?

Prostate Cancer is cancer that occurs in a man's prostate — a small walnut-shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

Prostate Cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. Prostate Cancer usually grows slowly and initially remains confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm. While some types of Prostate Cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly.

Prostate Cancer that is detected early — when it's still confined to the prostate gland — has a better chance of successful treatment.

How do I recognise it?

Prostate Cancer may not cause signs or symptoms in its early stages. Prostate Cancer that is more advanced may cause signs and symptoms such as:

  • Trouble urinating
  • Decreased force in the stream of urine
  • Blood in your urine
  • Blood in your semen
  • Swelling in your legs
  • Discomfort in the pelvic area
  • Bone pain

Causes

It's not clear what causes Prostate Cancer. Doctors know that Prostate Cancer begins when some cells in your prostate become abnormal. Mutations in the abnormal cells' DNA cause the cells to grow and divide more rapidly than normal cells. The abnormal cells continue living, when other cells would die. The accumulating abnormal cells form a tumor that can grow to invade nearby tissue. Some abnormal cells can break off and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

How do you treat it?

Like any disease, even if there is no cure, there is almost always something you can do to manage it and take control. There are three main areas involved in the treatment of any disease:

For information on medicines and therapies relevant to Prostate Cancer, make an appointment at Lynch's Pharmacy, Broadale, Douglas, Cork on 021-4366923.

Learn all about the drugs used to treat Prostate Cancer and any complementary medicines or therapies proven to help. Equip yourself with the tools to manage the condition and not be managed by it.

How do you live with it?

Certain adjustments may be needed to get on with your life, and often, some simple tips and advice can go a long way to making these changes. 

When you come to a Lynch's Pharmacy Clinic, we give you all the necessary information available to make your life more manageable and allow you to better live with your condition.

References

Prostate cancer- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostate_cancer

Prostate cancer, a comprehensive review                                                                                                                             http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/prostate-cancer/DS00043

http://prostatecanceruk.org/information/prostate-cancer

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Cancer-of-the-prostate/Pages/Introduction.aspx