Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer example essay topic

Cancer Research Paper I chose to research Prostate cancer because someone I know has some of the symptoms of Prostate cancer. All of the tests have not been run as of yet, so the final prognosis has not been given. Prostate cancer is cancer that originates in the prostate gland, a male genital gland about the size of a walnut that is located in front of the rectum, behind the base of the penis, and under the bladder. The prostate gland surrounds the upper part of the urethra, the tube that caries urine and semen out of the penis (Prostate Cancer Resource of America). Prostate cancer is the most common cancer, other than skin cancer.

It is estimated that one in six men will develop prostate cancer sometime during his life (Cancer of the Prostate). According to the American Cancer Society, this year almost 200,000 men in the United States will be newly diagnosed with prostate cancer and 40,000 men will die from this disease (Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia). Prostate cancer is more common in older men. Almost 75% of the men diagnosed with prostate cancer are age 65 and over. Prostate cancer occurs more frequently among African-American men than among white men.

African-American men are more likely to die from the disease than white men (Cancer of the Prostate). Other men at risk include men with a family history of prostate cancer or a history of venereal disease, men with recurring prostate infections, men who have taken progesterone, and men with a high-fat diet (Prostate Problems). Symptoms of prostate cancer may include pain and / or burning with urination, frequent urination, a decrease in the amount and power of the urine flow, blood in the urine, an inability to urinate, lower back, and pelvic pain (Prostate Problems). Other symptoms may include tiredness, loss of appetite, weight loss, and enlargement of the prostate (Men's Health Matters).

It is believed that the numbers of diagnosed cases of prostate cancer is due to more screening. Also, prostate cancer is more common among older men, and men are living longer and reaching the ages when prostate cancer most frequently occurs. While good medical tests are currently available to diagnose prostate cancer early, it has not been proven that early detection improves survival (Cancer of the Prostate). Prostate cancer is considered one of the ten most survivable male cancers, and 43% of men are still alive five years after the cancer was first diagnosed Men's Health Matters).

Men over 40 should have a blood test to detect elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen. If cancer is suspected after these tests, a tissue sample will be taken for further analysis. Once prostate cancer is definitely diagnosed a patient may have to undergo painful land costly surgery, undergo radiation therapy, and / or hormone therapy (Prostate Problems). Doctors often disagree on which treatment they believe is the most effective for prostate cancer (Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia). Currently prostate cancer can not be prevented (Cancer of the Prostate). When men listen to their friends, look on the internet, and read books, the situation worsens.

This is because much of the information is conflicting and inaccurate. If a man suspects prostate cancer, he should discuss this with his Health Care Provider, and be a part of the decision-making process (Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia).

Bibliography

Page Radiotherapy Clinics of Georgia. web Men's Health Matters. web Prostate Cancer Resource of America. web Prostate Problems. web Cancer of the Prostate. web.