What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cells of the prostate gland. Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men. In its early stages, prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms. However, as the cancer grows, it may cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Difficulty or pain with urination
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pain in the hips, back, chest, or other areas of the body
- Erectile dysfunction: difficulty having or maintaining an erection
- Painful ejaculation
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Incontinence or the inability to control urination
- Feeling like the bladder is not completely empty after urination
There are several known risk factors for prostate cancer. Some of the most common ones include:
🔹Age: Prostate cancer is rare in men under 50 years old, but the risk increases significantly as men get older. More than 65% of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men over the age of 65.
🔹 Family history: Men with a family history of prostate cancer (especially a father, brother, or son diagnosed with the disease) have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer themselves. The risk is even higher if the family member was diagnosed at a younger age.
🔹Diet: Some studies have suggested that a diet high in red meat, high-fat dairy products, saturated and trans fats may increase the risk of prostate cancer. A diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, on the other hand, may help lower the risk.
🔹Life Style: Other factors that have been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer include obesity, smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, and inflammation of the prostate gland.
📌There are several lifestyle changes that have been shown to potentially reduce the risk of prostate cancer📌
✅ A healthy diet: Several studies have suggested that a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. On the other hand, a diet high in red and processed meats, saturated and trans fats, and sugar may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
✅ Regular exercise: Regular physical activity has been associated with a lower risk of prostate cancer. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week.
✅ Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise may help reduce the risk.
✅Quitting smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of developing several types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Quitting smoking can help reduce the risk.
✅Limiting alcohol intake: Some studies have suggested that heavy alcohol consumption may increase the risk of prostate cancer. Men should limit their alcohol intake to no more than two drinks per day.
✅ Regular screening: Men who are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer (such as those with a family history of the disease) should undergo more frequent or earlier screening.
🩺Screening for prostate cancer typically involves🩺
1️⃣ A digital rectal exam (DRE), a physician provider inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any lumps or abnormalities in the prostate gland.
2️⃣A blood test called the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, a small amount of blood is drawn from the arm and analyzed for levels of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels may indicate the presence of prostate cancer, but they can also be caused by other conditions such as an enlarged prostate or inflammation.
3️⃣Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRI scans use magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the prostate gland. MRI may be used to help identify suspicious areas that may require further testing, such as a biopsy.
According to the Hong Kong Cancer Registry, there were a total of 2,315 cases of prostate cancer among men in Hong Kong in 2020, ranking it as the third most common cancer in terms of incidence. In the same year, there were 484 deaths among men due to prostate cancer, also ranking it as the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
📣Regular physical check-ups are essential, and Health Gene provides various types of health examinations. Feel free to call 2736 6228 or contact us via Whatsapp/Wechat at 9699 8913 for inquiries and appointments.
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