Prostate Cancer Basics
Unlike certain other types of cancer, most notably breast cancer, which has recently become a celebrated cause, prostate cancer remains something of a silent scourge. To a significant extend this is because many men still find the topic difficult to discuss. As a result, a significant number of men do not get the best treatment for this cancer because they do not act neither early nor quickly enough. In the US there are about 250 000 new cases every year and of these some 30 000 men will die of the disease.
However, the prognosis is certainly not gloomy. Awareness of prostate cancer is increasing and new diagnosis and treatment technologies are allowing increasing numbers of men to live long and healthy lives following their diagnosis. Indeed, by taking a few simple steps men diagnosed with prostate cancer can re-gain charge of their lives. Knowledge is power and it is possible to overcome much of the fear and anxiety that accompanies a positive cancer diagnosis. Indeed, there is a very good chance that a diagnosed cancer will be cured or controlled. The truth is that most men die with rather than because of prostate cancer.
Early Diagnosis — The PSA Antigen Test
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a substance made by the normal prostate gland. Although PSA is mostly found in semen, a small amount is also present in the blood. Most men have levels under 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) of blood. However, when prostate cancer develops, the PSA level usually rises above 4ng/ml of blood.
However, the equation of elevated levels of PSA in the blood and the presence of prostate cancer is not entirely straightforward. With a PSA level between 4 and 10 there is a 25% chance (1 in 4) of having prostate cancer. If it is more than 10, your chance of having prostate cancer is over 50% and increases further as your PSA level increases. However, it should also be noted that 15% of men over 50 with PSA levels below 4 will prove to have prostate cancer when a biopsy is taken. There are other factors which also affect PSA antigen levels and you can learn about these here.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms for many years. By the time symptoms occur, the disease may have spread beyond the prostate. When symptoms do occur, they may include: Frequent urination, especially at night; Inability to urinate; Trouble starting or holding back urination; A weak or interrupted flow of urine; Painful or burning urination; Blood in the urine or semen; Painful ejaculation; Frequent pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs. These can be symptoms of cancer, but more often they are symptoms of noncancerous conditions. It is important to check with a doctor.