what is prostate cancer and what are its symptoms

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men and will be diagnosed in one out of every eight men during their lifetime. There are many treatments that exist to help control prostate cancer but there are also steps that can be taken to prevent it from happening in the first place. This article will discuss what prostate cancer is, its symptoms, how it spreads, and what you can do to lower your risk.

Surgery for Prostate Cancer

If a patient’s prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level is elevated and a biopsy of his reveals that he has  cancer, surgery may be an option to remove it. Surgery involves removing part or all of a man’s prostate to reduce testosterone levels and thus curb the growth of any tumors. However, there are risks associated with surgery for cancer including erectile dysfunction, urinary incontinence and loss of sexual function. The choice to undergo surgery for prostate cancer largely depends on how advanced stage it is when diagnosed; how old you are; and whether you have other health problems. Usually, doctors recommend that younger men who have been diagnosed with early-stage disease consider other options before opting for surgery as their first course of treatment.

Symptoms

1) Difficulty peeing

Urinating less often or in smaller amounts than usual can indicate an infection, urinary tract stones, an enlarged prostate, or several other health conditions. If you’re experiencing issues with your urinary tract, make sure to see a doctor for diagnosis and treatment—early detection is key to successful treatment. Of course, if you experience any signs of prostate cancer (detailed below), don’t delay seeking help: The sooner it’s detected and treated, the more likely it is that successful treatment will be possible.

2) Burning when you pee

The most common symptom of cancer is difficulty urinating. The many things that can cause burning during urination include: an enlarged prostate, which can press on your urethra (the tube connecting your bladder to your penis), or an infection in your urinary tract; a prostate exam; or even physical activity such as bike riding. There’s nothing you can do about any of these things, so if you notice them, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. But if that’s coupled with any other symptoms—which often come in a group—it should be enough to make you get checked out.

3) Blood in your urine

One in six men between the ages of 60 and 69 have evidence of prostate cancer on their first PSA screening, according to a large Swedish study. If you find blood in your urine after your bladder has been empty for some time, see your doctor right away. Even if it’s not cancer, an underlying medical condition like an enlarged prostate may need treatment. Fortunately, early diagnosis and treatment can reduce your risk for prostate cancer significantly.

4) Pain in your lower back, hips, or upper thighs

Although rarely discussed, men can experience symptoms related to their  One symptom that is often overlooked is pain in your lower back, hips, or upper thighs. A study published in 1998 found that men with an enlarged prostate were much more likely to have pain while sitting than those without BPH.6 While it’s normal for your thigh muscles to tighten when you stand up, having trouble relaxing them after long periods of sitting can be a sign that something isn’t right. Pain from sitting may also be a result of pressure on other organs such as your bladder and rectum if your prostate has grown large enough to affect these structures.