What You Should Know About Prostate Cancer Statistics

 

There are a number of different reasons that have been proposed to account for the significant variation in cancer rates between men and women. It has been suggested that men:

  • May eat a poorer diet

  • Generally are more overweight or obese

  • Are usually less physically active

  • Can drink more alcohol

  • Have a higher smoking rate

  • Do not have any regular cancer test

  • Do receive a cancer diagnosis at a later stage.

PROSTATE CANCER

In 1998, prostate cancer was the most common cancer in American men. The pattern of prostate cancer in America. has seen a substantial increase in incidence rate, but a relatively stable mortality rate. This variation reflects the increasing capacity of testing procedures.

There are three forms of prostate disease but only one of these is actually cancer. Significantly, prostate cancer is not the most common form of prostate disease and it is possible to have one or a combination of conditions.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a non-cancerous growth and develops in the transitional zone. This is usually a common occurrence in older men and results in urinary difficulties as the growth increases in size restricting the flow of urine through the prostatic urethra. Some common symptoms include urinary alterations such as:- a weak stream when urinating; a delay in starting when wanting to urinate; the bladder doesn’t feel empty after urinating; the need to urinate more frequently during the day or night; a urgent need to urinate; or just incontinence. It is imperative to note, that B.P.H., and prostate cancer develop in different parts of the gland, hence B.P.H. is not a pre-cursor to prostate cancer.

As most prostate cancers are found in the peripheral zone of the gland, the lateral andenocarcinomas are frequently spread into the prostatic urethra and in an advanced stage, within the bladder and rectum, while posterior adenocarcinomas spread upwards into the seminal vesicles.

Symptoms of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer in the early stages rarely has symptoms. Symptoms usually develop in older men who should visit a doctor promptly if they experience any of these:

  • Difficulty in starting the flow of urine

  • A slow, interrupted flow of urine

  • Frequent passing of urine

  • Blood in the urine

  • Pain during urination

  • Recent onset of back or pelvic pain associated with urinary problems.

These symptoms are also very common in men who may have a benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the prostate gland. This is far more common than cancer of the prostate.

For more information about prostate cancer:

  • Talk to your GP

 

Prostate Cancer >> Site Privacy Policy