The April 2017 edition of "AARP Bulletin" indicates that men over age 50 should ask their Health Care Provider about prostrate cancer screening. Regular screening is important, as it can rule out or diagnose cancer in the early stages. When detected early, cancer of the prostrate is treatable. This is why it is important to know the signs, symptoms and risk factors.
Who is as risk?
Studies indicate that black men in the USA are twice as likely to be diagnosed with cancer of the prostrate, and those who are have a higher risk of being diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease.
African-American males also are 2.4 times more likely to lose their lives to prostrate cancer. For this reason, AARP's Optimum Labs, and Public Policy Institute, have recommended that In the future, guidelines for prostrate screening should take into consideration both ethnicity and race. Men of all races who have a family history of cancer of the prostrate are twice as likely to die from it.
The symptoms to look for
According to The Cancer Treatment Centers of America, every case of this disease is different, and expresses itself differently in each individual. The CTC further states that by age 50 there are changes in the shape and size of prostrate cells that are age related. This is why regular screening is a must.
It can rule out or detect cancer in its early stages.
Issues with the flow of urine may indicate the presence of prostrate cancer. If you find that your urine stream is interrupted, slow, weak, or you must urinate more, especially at night, please see your health care provider. If you find semen or blood in your urine, or experience pain in the back or pelvic area, you should have it checked out.
Keep in mind that any of these symptoms could be from aging, and not necessarily a sign of cancer. It is important to not make this assumption, and to obtain a professional opinion. Left untreated, prostrate cancer can be deadly. This is a situation where the ounce of prevention is most definitely worth the pound of cure.
Preventing Prostrate cancer
According to WebMD, there are ways to prevent prostrate cancer. They suggest eating high fiber, low fat foods, and increasing Omega 3 fatty acids in the diet. Tofu, soy products, tomatoes and all tomato byproducts like ketchup, tomato paste and tomato sauce. Garlic, whole grains, and vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are also recommended.
