Prostate gland is located underneath the urinary bladder in men, and is part of the reproductive system in males. According to the Urology Care Foundation, prostate cancer is the second most common cause of deaths due to cancer in America. This is why men after a certain age should be screened for prostatic cancer and should get a checkup from the Best Urologist in Islamabad.
What is the cause of prostate cancer?
The exact cause of this cancer is not known. However, like all cancers, mutations in the genetic material and cells, can cause their uncontrollable growth. As a result of cancer, prostate can grow to an abnormal size, and the cells from the tumor can spread to other parts of the body as well. Prostatic cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers and metastasize rapidly.
What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
The prostate is affected by mutation in the DNA, which can be secondary to certain risk factors like family history, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, exposure to carcinogens, smoking history, age, race and geographical location.
The American Cancer Society suggests that about 5 to 10 percent of the cases of prostate cancers are due to inherited mutations. This means that someone with a family history of prostate cancer should get regular check-ups and screenings to rule out cancer. The involved genes are: RNASEL, BRACA1 BRACA2, HOXB13, MSH2 and others.
Despite the increase in the number of cancer cases, the death rate has dropped to more than half from 1993 due to advancement of treatment and better screening processes. In the US alone, there are more than 3 million survivors of prostatic cancer.
How to prevent prostate cancer?
The chances of getting cancer can be reduced only through adopting healthy lifestyle and decreasing the risk factors that cause mutation of DNA.
Eat healthy: healthy eating with plenty of vegetables, fruits and nutrients contribute positively towards health.
Exercise regularly: as mentioned before, sedentary lifestyle is a risk factor for cancer. Alternatively, exercising regularly improves the immune system of the body, allowing it to fight the cancer-causingelements and reducing the risk of cancers. Try to exercise at least three days in an entire week. If you are just starting out, then slowly work your way up, but do make the effort.
Quit smoking: smoking is not only a risk factor for lung and prostatic cancer but also many other types of cancer. There are more than 100 types of cancer and of these at least 12 are known to be caused by cigarette smoke, according to the Surgeon General of the United States. This is because cigarette smoke has a high concentration of carcinogens that cause DNA mutation, allowing uncontrolled growth of cells. Additionally, cigarette smoke decreases the immunity and makes it harder for the body to fight off cancer. Even second hand smokers have a higher risk of getting cancer. Bystanders are 30 percent more likely to get lung cancer than people who are not exposed to smoke.
Men who are at higher risk of prostate cancer should discuss the benefits of getting regular PSA tests and rectal examinations with Best Urologist in Lahore