Prostate Cancer

The prostate gland is the male gonad responsible for manufacturing concentrated liquid which, mixed with spermatozoa, constitutes semen. Prostate cancer is formed from the abnormal growth of prostate cells.
Even nowadays, the specific causes of prostate cancer remain unknown but most patients tend to be elderly men. It is rarely seen in people younger than 50 years of age. Factors which can cause prostate cancer include:
    。A diet with high animal fat and low fiber、
    。Family history of prostate cancer、
    。Long-term exposure to certain environmental pollutants and chemical agents (e.g. cadmium and dioxins).

As there are no symptoms at the early stage of prostate cancer, many patients will not notice its onset. Common symptoms include:
    。Difficulty urinating, difficulty in starting the flow of urine、
    。A slow or inconsistent urine flow、
    。A painful sensation during urination、
    。Blood in urine、
    。Swelling of the lymph gland in the groin area、
    。Pain in lower back, pelvis and thigh areas。

Keeping a healthy lifestyle will greatly decrease the chance of having prostate cancer. We therefore recommend:
    。Eating more vegetables, fruit as well as the five types of grains;
    。Eating less meat and foods with high animal fat、
    。If you have a family history of prostate cancer, consult a doctor to see if you need to be examined.

A test to detect the levels of Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) in the bloodstream is commonly used to check for prostate cancer. However, unless you notice specific symptoms, you should consider the following factors before taking the PSA test:
    。About 15-25% men with prostate cancer will not show a higherlevel of PSA in their blood, meaning that even if they take the test, the results may not show that they have prostate cancer.
    。Higher levels of PSA in the blood can occur due to other reasons besides prostate cancer such as: benign prostate hypertrophy, and prostate gland inflammation and infection. Of the males who do show a higher level of PSA in their blood, two-thirds do not have prostate cancer. Some people therefore take unnecessary follow-up tests such as the Ultrasound-guided Fine-needle Aspiration Biopsy, which carry their own inherent risks.
    。Prostate cancer is not always a serious disease. Many men with prostate cancer do not show any obvious symptoms and will not die as a result of it. It is important to consult with your doctor and carefully discuss the pros and cons of taking a PSA test to rule out prostate cancer. Let the doctor help you fully understand the situation and decide whether or not to take the test.
    。Of course, we cannot forget that prevention is better than cure. Bear in mind that a healthy lifestyle not only decreases the risk of getting prostate cancer, but also provides other health benefits.