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Prostate Cancer Treatment

Prostate Cancer Risks

by Amy Hall

What are your prostate cancer risks? Well, age is truthfully the biggest risk all men face, as the older you get the higher your chances are of developing prostate cancer. The prostate gland, which is about the size of a walnut and located at the base of the bladder, is necessary for urination and sperm production. Once a man reaches the age of 25, the prostate gland naturally grows with each passing year. This is normal and expected.

However, this growth can take an upward swing, which indicates that something is amiss. The digital rectal exam and the prostate-specific antigen test can determine if prostate cancer is in the early stages of development, long before any symptoms are even present. These two tests have been credited with saving thousands of lives, as men are able to take a proactive stance against further development of prostate cancer and nip it in the bud early.

Other risk factors include diet and family history. You increase your odds of developing prostate cancer if you eat a diet that is high in red meats, eggs, and dairy products, as well as saturated fats. Changing your diet is an easy approach to cancer prevention, as you merely need to increase your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, and limit the amount of red meat, eggs, and dairy you ingest. If you have a family history of cancer, especially prostate or breast cancer, you should request annual screenings as early as age 35. For some unknown reason, African American men tend to have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than any other race.

Knowing the Risks Can Save Your Life

Of course, there is nothing you can do about your race, age, or family history, but knowing these risk factors can help you stay more aware. If you notice that you have the urge to urinate more frequently, or there is blood in your urine or semen, immediately call your doctor, as these could be signs of prostate cancer. Other symptoms include painful erections, pain during ejaculation or urination, and pain in the lower back, hips, or thighs.

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