Prostate cancer is the third most diagnosed malignancy, preceded only by lung and colorectal cancer. It is the most common cancer in men. The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system that enriches the semen and may cause issues as men age. Because the symptoms manifest differently and at different rates for different people, screening if you are at risk is the best course of action when it comes to early diagnosis and treatment.
Warning signs of prostate cancer
- Pain when urinating or ejaculating
- Frequent urination especially during the night
- Trouble starting or stopping urination once in progress
- A weak or dribbling flow of urine
- Feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully
- Inability to urinate standing up (because of pelvic pain)
- Feeling a need to hold back when urinating
- Blood in either urine or semen
- Sudden erectile dysfunction
- Ejaculation issues including painful ejaculation, and decreased volume of ejaculation
- Unexplained prostate pain especially when sitting down
- Reduced appetite
Advanced signs of prostate cancer
- Losing weight without trying
- Pain in the bones and/or the pelvic areas, lower back, or upper thighs
- Numbness or pain in the hips, legs, or feet
Risk factors of prostate cancer
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer, including:
Age: Your risk of prostate cancer increases as you age and it’s most common in men after age 50.
Race: For reasons yet unknown, black people have a higher risk of prostate cancer than people of other races.
Family history: Having a family member who developed cancer of the prostate before age 60 increases your likelihood of developing it.
Obesity: Obese people are more likely to develop prostate cancer with research showing that it is more aggressive and more likely to return among them.
Diet: More research is needed but early research shows some evidence linking a diet high in calcium to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
Preventive measures
Certain steps can be taken to lower your risk of developing prostate cancer, including:
Eat a healthy diet
Increase the amounts of fruits and vegetables you eat daily and reduce the amount of dairy you consume. A healthy diet provides your body with the nutrients needed to boost your immune system and support other bodily functions.
Studies found that men who ate the most dairy products had the highest risk of cancer of prostate. You should also exercise to keep your weight in check.
Stop smoking
Smoking is linked not just to lung cancer but also to prostate cancer. It is linked to aggressive forms of this cancer that are more likely to spread.
Ejaculate regularly
Finally, some good news, am I right? A study on the benefits of regular sex found that men who ejaculate at least 21 times per month were 1/3 less likely to develop prostate cancer. One Australian study found that men who masturbated five or more times a week were 34% less likely to develop prostate cancer by age 70 compared to those who pleasured themselves less often.
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