Cancer is one of the diseases of mankind which is a global health problem.
Cancer is the growth of abnormal cells in the body.
Sometimes there is a growth of new cells even if the body does not need them thus they form into tumors in certain organs of the body.
They can invade or metastasize in surrounding tissues or other areas of the body.
Due to its effects to the human body, ongoing research has been done for new treatments even when treatment for cancer has been discovered already.
Cancers are named after the organ where it started.
One of the most common cancers among men is prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer affects the gland in the male reproductive system.
The local growth of the cancer cells can affect the urinary system of the males.
It can metastasize to other parts especially to the bones and the lymph nodes.
The cause of prostate cancer is still unknown but it has certain risk factors that predispose it to occur in males.
The signs and symptoms of prostate cancer are usually not noticed by the person affected that is why it is already diagnosed when complications are felt in the later years.
Signs may not be considered as symptoms at first by the person concerned.
During the early stages, he may just feel them as urinary problems which may not prompt him for medical assistance.
But for cancer, it is better to track it down at an earlier stage to prevent its metastasis which may lead to sudden death.
Screening tests can be done to diagnose prostate cancer at an early stage.
One of which is the PSA blood test.
PSA is a protein released by the prostate gland into the blood stream.
When the prostate is not functioning well or if it has a tumor, it produces PSA which is more than the normal and it is very evident in the blood works.
A second screening test is an invasive procedure of digital rectal exam.
A lubricated gloved finger is inserted in the rectum to determine any irregularities especially in the size and form of the prostate.
These two screening tests will give reliable prostate cancer signs that the medical team will use to formulate a diagnosis.
Aside from the tests, subjective signs and symptoms of prostate cancer can be observed by males.
The most common of which is a problem when it comes to urination and ejaculation.
The prostate is located just below the bladder that is why it affects the excretion of an affected person.
Usually a person may feel a need to have frequent urinations especially at night.
Another symptom is a difficulty in starting urine or may sometimes lead to an inability to urinate.
There is pain and a burning sensation when urinating also.
These symptoms are not only felt when urinating but also upon ejaculation.
There is a difficulty in erection and pain on ejaculation.
Frequent pain in the hips and lower back is usually felt.
When these signs and symptoms are felt, it is better not to let it pass without consultation from the medical experts.
Enlargement of the prostate does not immediately imply that it is cancer but it can also be helpful in the early detection of cancer.
That is why, it is advisable to seek medical advice when these signs and symptoms occur.