Even though not many people would prefer discussing or indulging in a conversation on cancer, it has become extremely important to understand its causes, symptoms, and effects. Unfortunately, not many people know that all men are at risk of developing prostate cancer.

Every 1 in 39 people are victims of prostate cancer. About 80% of men who have reached the age of 80 have prostate cancer cells that need to be surgically removed. This blog will give you a complete overview of this disease including its symptoms, causes, and risk factors.

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate region which is a small walnut-shaped gland. This produces the seminal fluid that generates and transports sperms. This is one of the most common types of cancer in men.

In the initial phases, it is confined to the prostate gland where it may not cause serious harm. However, in some conditions, this can turn out to be very aggressive and can spread quickly. Detecting this disease in the early stages is beneficial as it can be removed easily, i.e. when it is confined only to the prostate gland.

Major symptoms visible

You might probably not see any kind of symptoms in the early stages. However, with time, some of the visible symptoms include:

•        Trouble while urinating
•        A decrease in force while urinating
•        Traces of blood found in the semen
•        A sense of discomfort in the pelvic region
•        Bone pain
•        Erectile dysfunction

Causes

Till date, there is no clear cause for prostate cancer. Generally, this disease begins when some cells in the prostate gland become abnormal. This leads to a mutation where the DNA cause the cells to divide and grow at a rapid pace.

These cells continue to live a longer lifespan as compared to the normal body cells. The accumulation of these cells leads to the formation of a tumour that destroys the nearby tissues, slowly causing harm to the entire body. Some abnormal cells will break off and gradually move to the other parts, causing tumour formation in the other body parts as well.

Risk factors involved

There are numerous conditions under which the chances of getting prostate cancer can be much higher. Some of them include,

• Age – As people tend to grow older, the risk of prostate cancer also increases.
• Race – Research reveals that black men are more vulnerable to this type of cancer than men of other colours. The complete reason behind this theory is still not determined. In fact, studies show that, in black men, prostate cancer seems to be more aggressive and advanced.
• Family history – If men in your family have been victims of prostate cancer, this is a possibility that you could also have this disease. Additionally, families with a very strong history of breast cancer are also in danger.
• Obesity – Obese men are often diagnosed with prostate cancer and their condition are more severe compared to normal conditions.

Irrespective of any condition, symptom, or risk factor, it would be advisable to consult a doctor who would evaluate the severity of prostate cancer.