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Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a gland found only in men. It is about the size of a walnut. The tube that carries urine (urethra) runs through the prostate. The prostate contains cells that make some of the fluid (semen) that protects and nourishes the sperm.

In older men, though, the part of the prostate around the urethra may keep on growing. This causes BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) which can result in problems with urinating. But BPH is not cancer.

All prostate cancers start in the gland cells. This kind of cancer is known as Adenocarcinoma.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Age

Age is the strongest risk factor for prostate cancer. The chance of getting prostate cancer goes up quickly after a man reaches age 50. About 2 out of every 3 prostate cancers are found in men over the age of 65.

Race

For unknown reasons, prostate cancer is more common among African-American men than among men of other races. African-American men are also more likely to have a more advanced disease when it is found and are more likely to die of the disease. Prostate cancer occurs less often in Asian-American and Hispanic/Latino men than in non-Hispanic whites. The reasons for these racial and ethnic differences are not clear.

Nationality

Prostate cancer is most common in North America, northwestern Europe, and a few other places. It is less common in Asia, Africa, Central and South America. The reasons for this are not clear. More testing in some developed countries likely accounts for at least part of this difference, but other factors are likely to be important as well.

Family History

Prostate cancer seems to run in some families. Men with close family members (father or brother) who have had prostate cancer are more likely to get it themselves, especially if their relatives were young when they got the disease.

Diet

The exact role of diet in prostate cancer is not clear, although several different factors have been studied. Men who eat a lot of red meat or high-fat dairy products seem to have a greater chance of getting prostate cancer. These men also tend to eat fewer fruits and vegetables. Doctors are not sure which of these factors causes the risk to go up.

Prevention:

Diet

You may be able to reduce your risk of prostate cancer by changing the way you eat. The ACS suggests eating less red meat and fat and eating more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Eat 5 or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. These guidelines provide healthful approach to eating that may help lower your risk for some other types of cancer, as well as other diseases.

Tomatoes, pink grapefruit, and watermelon are rich in substances (lycopenes) that help prevent damage to DNA and may help lower prostate cancer risk.

Early Detection:

Prostate cancer can often be found early by testing the amount of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) in your blood. Another way prostate cancer is found early is when the doctor does a digital rectal exam (DRE). Because the prostate gland lies just in front of the rectum, during the exam the doctor can feel if there are any bumps or hard places on the prostate. These might be cancer.

The American Cancer Society recommends the PSA blood test and DRE (digital rectal exam) yearly, beginning at age 50 to men who do not have any major medical problems and can be expected to live at least 10 more years. Men at high risk should begin testing at age 45. Men at high risk include African American men and men who have a close relative (father, brother, or son) who had prostate cancer before age 65.

Men at even higher risk (because they have several close relatives with prostate cancer at an early age) could begin testing at age 40. Depending on the results of the first tests, they might not need more testing until age 45.

Treatment:

Because prostate cancer often grows very slowly, some men (especially those who are older or who have other major health problems) may never need treatment for their cancer. Instead, their doctor may suggest an approach called “watchful waiting” (also called “expectant management”)

The treatment options available are Surgery, Radiation therapy, Cryosurgery, Chemotherapy and Hormone therapy.

Surgery: The main types of surgical treatment are Radical Prostatectomy and Transurethral resection of prostrate (TURP).

There two kinds of radical prostatectomy, a) radical retropubic prostatectomy b) Radical perineal approach.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is given using x-rays. There are different kinds of radiation therapies. a) External beam radiation therapy. b) Brachytherapy

Cryosurgery: This approach is sometimes used to treat prostate cancer by freezing the cells with cold metal probes. It is used only for prostate cancer that has not spread but may not be a good option for men with large prostate glands. The probes are placed through incisions between the anus and the scrotum. Cold gases are then passed through the probes, which creates ice balls that destroy the prostate gland. Some type of anesthesia is used during this procedure.

Hormone Therapy: The goal of hormone therapy also called androgen deprivation is to lower the levels of the male hormones or androgens, such as testosterone. Androgens, which are made mostly in the testicles, cause prostate cancer cells to grow. Lowering androgen levels often makes prostate cancer shrink or grow more slowly. Hormone therapy can control, but will not cure the cancer. It is not a substitute for treatments aimed at a cure.
The different kinds of hormone therapy are:

Chemotherapy: Like hormone therapy, chemo is unlikely to result in a cure. This treatment is not expected to destroy all the cancer cells, but it may slow the cancer's growth and reduce symptoms, resulting in a better quality of life.

There are a number of different chemo drugs. Often 2 or more are given at the same time for better effect.

Side Effects of Chemo

While chemo drugs kill cancer cells, they also damage some normal cells and this can lead to side effects. The side effects of chemo depend on the type of drugs, the amount taken, and the length of treatment. They could include:

Because normal cells are also damaged, you may have low blood cell counts. This can cause:

Also, each drug may have its own unique side effects.

Most side effects go away once treatment is over.

Treatment Centers in Georgia:

Prostate Cancer Support Groups:

Georgia

Other support groups

 National Organizations and Web sites

Georgia Cancer Foundation—based in Atlanta—provides education, early detection, and support for Georgia residents affected by all types of cancer. Through its innovative programs and extensive support group network, the Foundation caters to newly diagnosed patients, those currently undergoing care, and survivors—as well as those in need of low-cost early detection.

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