Thousands of men both middle aged or older, are affected by prostate cancer each year. About 65% are men above the age of 65. The prostate is located in the lower abdomen in a man’s body. The hormone which regulates the prostate is called testosterone and it produces the semen. Prostate cancer is when there is an unusual and malignant development of cells (a tumor) in the prostate. It is also very possible for this cancer to move on to other parts of the body. In the United States, prostate cancer is in the top two cancers that causes death in men, states the urology care foundation. [1] Prostate cancer which in a lot of cases, is usually a type of cancer called adenocarcinoma is also categorized depending on the speed of its growth. There are two types of growth; fast growth or aggressive and slow growth or nonaggressive. The exact cause of prostate cancer isn’t known yet, however causes like family history and exposure to some chemicals are considered.
Symptoms
Pain and Numbness
As stated earlier, prostate cancer can spread to other areas of the body from the prostate, this is known as a metastatic cancer. A metastasized prostate cancer, sometimes spreads to the bones. This may result in pain in the chest, hips, upper thighs, pelvic and back. In a case where the cancer gets to the spinal cord, it may become hard to feel your legs and bladder.
Urinary Problems
The prostate is found under the bladder and it covers the urethra, making urinary problems a common symptom due to its location. A tumor growth on the prostate could put pressure on the urethra or bladder and cause issues. Some of those problems include:
- Hematuria (Finding blood while urinating) [2]
- A constant pressing need to urinate.
- A urine flow that’s slower than usual.
- Burning urination. [3]