Prostate Cancer

The main function of the prostate is to produce semen. It produces a thick white fluid that is then liquefied by a special protein known as prostate specific antigen. The prostate is a small gland in the pelvis located between the penis and the bladder and surrounds the urethra.

The causes of prostate cancer are largely unknown. However there are a number of risk factors for developing prostate cancer, they include:

• Age – 70% of prostate cancer occurs in men over 65 years,
• Diet – A diet high in dairy products and red meat has more risk.
• Family history – having a close male relative with prostate cancer increases the risk, and
• Ethnic group – prostate cancer is more common amongst men of African descent

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

One of the difficulties of diagnosing prostate cancer is that it normally does not cause any symptoms until the cancer has grown large enough to put pressure on the urethra. This can make urination more difficult. Some of the symptoms include:

• Having a sudden need to urinate,
• Pain during urination,
• Flow of urine is weak and irregular,
• Frequent urination especially during the night, and
• Feeling that your bladder is not empty after urination

If you have loss of appetite, weight loss and constant pain, it is probably a sign of the cancer advancing to a potentially serious stage.

Treatment of Cancer

Once the cancer has been discovered, the treatment plan will depend on:

• Your age,
• The stage of the cancer,
• The likely progression of your cancer, and
• The possible side-effects of treatment

Treatment options include:

• Radical prostatectomy,
• Radiotherapy,
• Brachytherapy,
• Hormone therapy, and
• Trans-urethral resection of the prostate

Prevention of Prostate Cancer

Eating foods high in lycopene may prevent prostate cancer. Lycopene is an antioxidant. Antioxidants are special molecules that can help prevent damage to cells. Foods high in lycopene include:

• Watermelon,
• Papaya,
• Pink grapefruit, and
• Tomatoes

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