The prostate gland is a small gland in men that helps make semen and wraps around the tube that carries urine out of the body (the urethra). It grows larger as men get older. A larger prostate can cause health problems, including inflammation (prostatitis), non-cancerous enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH), and cancer. Prostate cancer usually starts in the prostate gland and spreads to other parts of the body. The disease is most common in men over 50, but it can affect men of any age.
About 34,000 people die from prostate cancer each year in the United States. It’s the second most common cancer affecting American men, after skin cancer. The good news is, when detected early, most cases of prostate cancer can be treated successfully.
Prostate health is important because the prostate gland is a key part of male reproduction and sexual function. Men who have prostate problems can experience a variety of symptoms, from the frequent and sometimes urgent need to pee to pain or weak urine flow. Some men with prostate cancer may also have problems with their bladder and urethra, such as blood in the urine (haematuria), or lose their ability to control their bladder.
Some men have a higher risk of prostate cancer than others, but the exact causes aren’t known. Your chances of getting the disease increase with age, and you’re more likely to be diagnosed if you’re African-American or have a family history of the disease. Your risk is also greater if you drink alcohol frequently, or if you have a high fat diet. Other factors that can increase your risk include a family history of inflammatory bowel disease, or the presence of certain genes, such as those that cause Lynch syndrome.
In the past, a diagnosis of prostate cancer often led to immediate treatment, such as surgery or radiation. But these days, many doctors recommend a different approach, called active surveillance. In this method, your doctor will monitor your condition and treat you only if your cancer starts to grow or if you have other health problems that make it dangerous to delay treatment.
There are things you can do to protect your prostate health, such as drinking lots of water and avoiding drinks with caffeine, which can irritate the prostate and the bladder. In addition, exercising regularly and reducing your stress levels can help lower your risk of prostate cancer and other conditions. Having a supportive network of friends and family can also help you cope with the challenges you might face. These natural guidelines are easy to follow and can make a big difference in your overall prostate health.
