Prostate is a gland, present in men and it is around the urethra. Any affection to the prostate can press on the urethra and cause difficulty in passing urine. Sometime, the process of cell division gets disrupted and more cells than required are produced. This results in formation of an abnormal growth or tumor.
Knowing about prostate cancer can make you aware and help in getting a better understanding about it. Elderly men are at higher risk of prostate cancer and so are the men who have a family member suffering from the same condition.
Stages of prostate cancer
The prostate tumor cells are studied in laboratory and the grades are found. Based on these grades, the extent of the abnormal growth is decided. If the tumor is of higher grade, it has more chances of growing faster and may also spread to other nearby areas.
According to the test results, prostate cancer can be classified into four stages. The stages are mainly classified based on the grade of the tumor, the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) levels, and whether the tumor has spread in the nearby tissues or any other body parts. The initial stages been termed as early stages and the later ones being the advanced stages of cancer.
Treatment
The treatment of prostate cancer involves surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and hormone therapy. The best type of treatment depends on the age, symptoms, the stage of cancer and other existing medical illnesses.
You can help
While prostate cancer is common, a screening program may not be always recommended for all. However, there are certain points that you can remember to be aware of this condition and protect your own health.
- You can talk to your physician about prostate cancer and evaluate the risks associated in your case.
- You can seek advice regarding the ways to lower the risk of prostate cancer.
- It is important to know about any signs that are alarming and may be need immediate attention.
- Follow a healthy diet and lifestyle to keep you fit.
- It is better to get yourself evaluated from a medical expert regularly or when in doubt and prefer not to procrastinate any medical check-up.