The study of prostate cancer has come a long way since its identification in 1853. Information concerning diagnostic methods, treatment options and
even the pathophysiological characteristics of this condition has been provided in useful details by researchers, but the specific causes of prostate
cancer remain unknown up to this day. The causes of prostate cancer, or any other type of cancer for that matter, have remained a mystery to those
who are studying the disease. Despite being able to explain the process by which cancer of the prostate develops, the exact reasons behind the
condition's occurrence remain a challenge to cancer researchers. Cancer of the prostate is a condition that affects only men. The prostate gland,
which is part of the male reproductive system, helps make and store seminal fluid. It surrounds part of the urethra and is located under the urinary
bladder and in front of the rectum. Its position allows it to influence the processes of urination, ejaculation and defecation. Although the causes of
cancer of the prostate have yet to be fully understood, scientists were able to identify some of the factors associated with the risk of developing this
condition. A man's chances of developing prostate cancer are influenced by his age, genes, race, diet, lifestyle and the medications that he is taking.
Cancer of the prostate is quite uncommon in men aged below 45. However, the chances of developing prostate cancer increase as a man ages.
Based on statistics gathered on prostate cancer patients, 70 is the average age of diagnosis. Prostate cancer is a slow developing condition. Some
men who have it never even knew that they had the condition and they could die of other causes before their cancer manifests itself. But a man who
has a first degree relative, like a brother or a father, who has been diagnosed with this condition is believe to have a higher chance of developing
prostate cancer, particularly if the relative was diagnosed at an early age. Among the races, African Americans have been known to account for the
highest percentage of diagnosed cases of prostate cancer. Asians, on the other hand, recorded the least number of diagnosed cases. Researchers
speculate that this might be due to the difference between the diet and lifestyle of Western and Asian men. Westerners usually take in more red meat
while Asians are more likely to eat vegetables and fruits. Men who have higher levels of the short chain fatty acid linolenic acid have also been found
to have higher rates of cancer in the prostate. Other dietary factors that have been implicated in the development of prostate cancer include low intake
of elements such as vitamin E, lycopene, omega-3 fatty acids and selenium. In terms of genetics, no single gene has yet to be proven to be
responsible for the development of prostate cancer, although BRCA1 and BRCA2, both risk factors for ovarian cancer and breast cancer in women,
have been implicated. Although the causes of prostate cancer have not yet been fully identified, there is high hope that the exact process that
governs this disease will eventually be understood and prevention methods will be developed to lessen the number of men suffering from this
condition.
The Truth About Breast Cancer
Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast or a tumor, grow out of control and damages nearby tissue. In women, the most common and fatal
type of cancer is breast cancer. Detection There are often no symptoms in the early stages. Women should be aware of the screening
recommendations and follow them. There are varieties of symptoms that may appear as the tumor grows such as - The breast changing in size or
shape - Breast skin becomes pitted or ridged - Thickening or lump in the underarm or breast - Discharge from nipple or the nipple turns inward - Skin
on the breast becomes red or scales If you have any of these symptoms, have yourself examined by a medical professional. This does not mean you
have cancer but you defiantly want to have this checked. Before the age of twenty, is very rare to get it and not often diagnosed in women less than
twenty-five years old. The chances of contacting climbs steadily after 25 and peaks around menopause age in women. It increases less after
menopause but as they age, the risk to older women gradually increases. Risk Factors Nobody really knows what causes this cancer. Some of the
elements that are thought to increase the risk are Gender There are more cases of women than men Weight Overweight women are at higher risk
Age From 25 to menopause, the chances increases. Children If a woman has not had a child, or had a child after 30 Family History Women that
have a family member that have or had it are at risk. Male Breast Cancer Yes, it really does happen. It is certainly not as common as in women but
approximately one to 1.5% happens to men. Older men most often diagnosed with it and are between sixty and seventy years old. If a man has had
previous exposure to radiation, such as for cancer treatment, their risk increases. Approximately 20% of men with a mother, sister or other close
female relatives with breast cancer are certainly at higher risk. Some of the symptoms in men includes swelling or a breast lump, retracted nipple or
discharge and scaling or redness of the breast skin or nipple. Statistics The statistics are frightening. Each and ever year, over 182,000 women and
16,000 men are diagnosed with breast cancer. Over 400 men and 43,300 women will die from this terrible disease. During their lifetime, one woman
out of eight has or will get breast cancer. Most people have family or friends that have or had breast cancer. Always give them your support and
encouragement.
type of cancer is breast cancer. Detection There are often no symptoms in the early stages. Women should be aware of the screening
recommendations and follow them. There are varieties of symptoms that may appear as the tumor grows such as - The breast changing in size or
shape - Breast skin becomes pitted or ridged - Thickening or lump in the underarm or breast - Discharge from nipple or the nipple turns inward - Skin
on the breast becomes red or scales If you have any of these symptoms, have yourself examined by a medical professional. This does not mean you
have cancer but you defiantly want to have this checked. Before the age of twenty, is very rare to get it and not often diagnosed in women less than
twenty-five years old. The chances of contacting climbs steadily after 25 and peaks around menopause age in women. It increases less after
menopause but as they age, the risk to older women gradually increases. Risk Factors Nobody really knows what causes this cancer. Some of the
elements that are thought to increase the risk are Gender There are more cases of women than men Weight Overweight women are at higher risk
Age From 25 to menopause, the chances increases. Children If a woman has not had a child, or had a child after 30 Family History Women that
have a family member that have or had it are at risk. Male Breast Cancer Yes, it really does happen. It is certainly not as common as in women but
approximately one to 1.5% happens to men. Older men most often diagnosed with it and are between sixty and seventy years old. If a man has had
previous exposure to radiation, such as for cancer treatment, their risk increases. Approximately 20% of men with a mother, sister or other close
female relatives with breast cancer are certainly at higher risk. Some of the symptoms in men includes swelling or a breast lump, retracted nipple or
discharge and scaling or redness of the breast skin or nipple. Statistics The statistics are frightening. Each and ever year, over 182,000 women and
16,000 men are diagnosed with breast cancer. Over 400 men and 43,300 women will die from this terrible disease. During their lifetime, one woman
out of eight has or will get breast cancer. Most people have family or friends that have or had breast cancer. Always give them your support and
encouragement.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms And Treatments
Prostate cancer is one of the most common type of cancer affecting 1 in every 6 males. In it's early stages, prostate cancer has few symptoms and
many of the symptoms associated with this disease are also symptoms found in other less serious illnesses. Prevalent symptoms of prostate problems
which may or may not signal cancer include: frequent urination, bloody urine, burning urination, lower back pain or pain in the pelvis or upper thighs,
blood in semen, pain during ejaculation, stopping and starting urination along with not being able to urinate. The treatment course for prostate cancer
differs depending on the location and size of the tumor as well as the patients health. In some cases, if the cancer is a slow growing one and you are
advanced in age, the treatment may simply be that of watchful waiting. If the cancer is not causing any symptoms, then your physician may opt to
simply keep and eye on it's growth. This will entail a PSA blood test every few months as well as biopsies every year to see if and how fast it is
growing. If it starts to grow faster, additional treatment may be recommended. Some treatments for prostate cancer include: A surgical procedure
called a radical prostatectomy may be done to remove the cancer provided it has not spread outside of the prostate. The whole gland and surrounding
tissue is removed in the hopes of removing all the cancer. Radiotherapy employs x-rays to treat cancer and is relatively pain free. During this course
of treatment, radiation is pointed towards your prostate in the hopes of shrinking or even eliminating the cancer. This technique can have adverse
effects such as impotance and diarrhea. Brachytherapy, is a method of radiotherapy on which something is implanted in the patient to treat the
cancer. This method of treatment involves less visits to the hospital as opposed to radiation therapy (which is typically done every day) although it
does require a little external radiotherapy also. Hormone therapy is used to lower the level of androgens which cause prostate cancer to grow. This
treatment is mostly used in men whose cancer has spread or returned after earlier treatments. While it will not cure the cancer, it can shrink it or slow
it's growth and may be used in conjunction with other treatments. Chemotherapy is typically not effective against prostate cancer although newer
drugs developed in recent years have shown the ability to relieve symptoms in men with advanced prostate cancer. Chemotherapy may be employed
if the cancer has spread outside the prostate in order to shrink the cancer or slow it's growth. While many prostate symptoms indicate a problem
other than cancer, it is vital that you see your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above. Prompt treatment is your best chance for a
cure.
many of the symptoms associated with this disease are also symptoms found in other less serious illnesses. Prevalent symptoms of prostate problems
which may or may not signal cancer include: frequent urination, bloody urine, burning urination, lower back pain or pain in the pelvis or upper thighs,
blood in semen, pain during ejaculation, stopping and starting urination along with not being able to urinate. The treatment course for prostate cancer
differs depending on the location and size of the tumor as well as the patients health. In some cases, if the cancer is a slow growing one and you are
advanced in age, the treatment may simply be that of watchful waiting. If the cancer is not causing any symptoms, then your physician may opt to
simply keep and eye on it's growth. This will entail a PSA blood test every few months as well as biopsies every year to see if and how fast it is
growing. If it starts to grow faster, additional treatment may be recommended. Some treatments for prostate cancer include: A surgical procedure
called a radical prostatectomy may be done to remove the cancer provided it has not spread outside of the prostate. The whole gland and surrounding
tissue is removed in the hopes of removing all the cancer. Radiotherapy employs x-rays to treat cancer and is relatively pain free. During this course
of treatment, radiation is pointed towards your prostate in the hopes of shrinking or even eliminating the cancer. This technique can have adverse
effects such as impotance and diarrhea. Brachytherapy, is a method of radiotherapy on which something is implanted in the patient to treat the
cancer. This method of treatment involves less visits to the hospital as opposed to radiation therapy (which is typically done every day) although it
does require a little external radiotherapy also. Hormone therapy is used to lower the level of androgens which cause prostate cancer to grow. This
treatment is mostly used in men whose cancer has spread or returned after earlier treatments. While it will not cure the cancer, it can shrink it or slow
it's growth and may be used in conjunction with other treatments. Chemotherapy is typically not effective against prostate cancer although newer
drugs developed in recent years have shown the ability to relieve symptoms in men with advanced prostate cancer. Chemotherapy may be employed
if the cancer has spread outside the prostate in order to shrink the cancer or slow it's growth. While many prostate symptoms indicate a problem
other than cancer, it is vital that you see your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms listed above. Prompt treatment is your best chance for a
cure.
Breast Cancer Prevention
Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control and can then invade nearby tissues or spread throughout the body. Large
collections of this out of control tissue are called tumors. However, some tumors are not really cancer because they cannot spread or threaten
someone's life. These are called benign tumors. The tumors that can spread throughout the body or invade nearby tissues are considered cancer and
are called malignant tumors. Theoretically, any of the types of tissue in the breast can form a cancer, but usually it comes from either the ducts or the
glands. Because it may take months to years for a tumor to get large enough to feel in the breast, we screen for tumors with mammograms, which can
sometimes see disease before we can feel it. How can I prevent breast cancer? The most important risk factors for the development of breast cancer
cannot be controlled by the individual. There are some risk factors that are associated with an increased risk, but there is not a clear cause and effect
relationship. In no way can strong recommendations be made like the cause and effect relationship seen with tobacco and lung cancer. There are a
few risk factors that may be modified by a woman that potentially could influence the development of breast cancer. If possible, a woman should
avoid long-term hormone replacement therapy, have children before age 30, breastfeed, avoid weight gain through exercise and proper diet, and limit
alcohol consumption to 1 drink a day or less. For women already at a high risk, their risk of developing breast cancer can be reduced by about 50% by
taking a drug called Tamoxifen for five years. Tamoxifen has some common side effects (like hot flashes and vaginal discharge), which are not serious
and some uncommon side effects (like blood clots, pulmonary embolus, stroke, and uterine cancer) which are life threatening. Tamoxifen isn't widely
used for prevention, but may be useful in some cases. There are limited data suggesting that vitamin A may protect against breast cancer but further
research is needed before it can be recommended for prevention. Other things being investigated include phytoestrogens (naturally occurring
estrogens that are in high numbers in soy), vitamin E, vitamin C, and other drugs. Further testing of these substances is also needed before they can
be recommended for breast cancer prevention. Right now, the most important thing any woman can do to decrease her risk of dying from breast
cancer is to have regular mammogram screening, learn how to perform breast self exams, and have a regular physical examination by their physician.
For more information on breast cancer prevention.
collections of this out of control tissue are called tumors. However, some tumors are not really cancer because they cannot spread or threaten
someone's life. These are called benign tumors. The tumors that can spread throughout the body or invade nearby tissues are considered cancer and
are called malignant tumors. Theoretically, any of the types of tissue in the breast can form a cancer, but usually it comes from either the ducts or the
glands. Because it may take months to years for a tumor to get large enough to feel in the breast, we screen for tumors with mammograms, which can
sometimes see disease before we can feel it. How can I prevent breast cancer? The most important risk factors for the development of breast cancer
cannot be controlled by the individual. There are some risk factors that are associated with an increased risk, but there is not a clear cause and effect
relationship. In no way can strong recommendations be made like the cause and effect relationship seen with tobacco and lung cancer. There are a
few risk factors that may be modified by a woman that potentially could influence the development of breast cancer. If possible, a woman should
avoid long-term hormone replacement therapy, have children before age 30, breastfeed, avoid weight gain through exercise and proper diet, and limit
alcohol consumption to 1 drink a day or less. For women already at a high risk, their risk of developing breast cancer can be reduced by about 50% by
taking a drug called Tamoxifen for five years. Tamoxifen has some common side effects (like hot flashes and vaginal discharge), which are not serious
and some uncommon side effects (like blood clots, pulmonary embolus, stroke, and uterine cancer) which are life threatening. Tamoxifen isn't widely
used for prevention, but may be useful in some cases. There are limited data suggesting that vitamin A may protect against breast cancer but further
research is needed before it can be recommended for prevention. Other things being investigated include phytoestrogens (naturally occurring
estrogens that are in high numbers in soy), vitamin E, vitamin C, and other drugs. Further testing of these substances is also needed before they can
be recommended for breast cancer prevention. Right now, the most important thing any woman can do to decrease her risk of dying from breast
cancer is to have regular mammogram screening, learn how to perform breast self exams, and have a regular physical examination by their physician.
For more information on breast cancer prevention.