Home | health | 5 Early Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer To Look Out For

5 early warning signs of prostate cancer to look out for

5 early warning signs of prostate cancer to look out for

The prostate is a small gland located beneath the bladder in the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer develops when there’s abnormal cell growth in one’s prostate gland. The disease progresses slowly, and its early stages are mainly asymptomatic. The chance of successful treatment is highest while the cancer is still confined to the gland. If left untreated, however, it can cause many health complications. Here are a few early signs that should prompt a prostate cancer screening.

Early signs of prostate cancer
Early stages of prostate cancer usually have no visible signs, but those in more advanced stages may exhibit the following symptoms:

Issues with urination and bladder control
The prostate gland is in proximity to the bladder, and the urethra responsible for one’s urination and sexual activity. So, one may feel the urge to empty one’s bladder more frequently or experience a burning sensation or pain while urinating. The urine flow may be weak and one may find it challenging to start or stop the flow. One may also find blood in urine or semen and a sudden shift in one’s usual bowel habits.

Fatigue and nausea
Cancerous cells consume a lot of energy and leave one feeling fatigued and nauseous. One may also lose body mass unnaturally without changing one’s lifestyle.

Pain
Prostate cancer may enlarge the gland and cause discomfort while sitting. One may also experience pain during urination or in other parts of one’s body, like the back, thighs, hips, shoulders, or bones.

Swelling
Men with advanced prostate cancer may exhibit more serious symptoms like swelling in the legs or pelvic area. Fluid may build up in one’s feet and cause pain or numbness in the legs.

Erectile dysfunction
Since the gland produces seminal fluid, prostate cancer may lead to erectile dysfunction.

These symptoms do not necessarily indicate prostate cancer. Other conditions, such as an enlarged prostate, prostatitis, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, also share similar signs. Hence, those experiencing any of these symptoms are advised to consult a doctor and get screening tests done. Early detection can help curtail cancer growth in nearby lymph nodes and tissues.

Diagnosis
Prostate cancer can be detected early with tests like PSA and DRE. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measures the level of PSA in one’s blood sample. The Digital Rectal Exam, or DRE, is a physical examination to study the condition of one’s prostate gland. Any abnormalities in these tests prompt the healthcare professional to go for a prostate biopsy and check for cancer cells.

Risk factors
While the cause of prostate cancer is not known, those in older age are more susceptible to developing the disease. Prostate cancer is more common among males over 50 years. People living an unhealthy lifestyle may also be at risk. Since cancer is connected with one’s DNA and genes, family history is another significant risk factor.

Treatment
Prostate cancer grows slowly. Since most treatments involve high risk, a doctor may opt for watchful waiting and active surveillance during the early stages. This means that the symptoms are treated as they show up. For advanced stages, a doctor may combine various treatments to get the best results as per the severity of one’s condition. Surgeries, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, proton beam therapy, radiation therapy, and focal therapies are some common ones.

You may like

8 lesser-known facts about the liver
health

8 lesser-known facts about the liver

Considered the second-largest organ in the body, the liver plays an extremely important role in a variety of functions. It is key to the body’s metabolism; and helps burn fat and maintain body weight. It is located above the stomach and beneath the diaphragm, its size similar to that of a football. While such information is common knowledge, there are a few not-so-known facts about this organ. Read on to find out more: It is the only organ that can regenerate Unlike any other organ, the liver has the miraculous ability to regenerate and regrow, needing just 25 percent of the original tissue to do so. According to a study, evolutionary safeguards are responsible for this effect, which is a central concept behind liver transplants. It is the body’s detox center The liver filters everything we eat and drink, ridding the body of the materials that are not meant for it. It first burns toxins using enzymes and oxygen. This is followed by the second step, which combines toxins with amino acids that are later flushed out through urine or bile. It is multifunctional Identified as one of the most complex organs in the body, the liver performs hundreds of vital functions.
3 simple tips to cope with menopausal mood swings
health

3 simple tips to cope with menopausal mood swings

Most women experience menopause during their late 40s or early 50s when the ovaries stop producing eggs and two primary hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Menopause is confirmed after 12 consecutive months of no menstruation, and women experience several symptoms associated with hormonal changes during this time. Hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and mood swings are known to accompany menopause, along with disturbances in sleeping patterns. Women can have a tough time coping with mood swings in particular, as there is no telling what might trigger them and when. The following tips can help manage menopausal mood swings to a great extent at home: Manage stress and depression Menopause brings about several changes in both the mind and body, which can result in higher stress levels. Also, during the pre- and post-menopausal years, women are more vulnerable to experiencing depression and depressive symptoms. These problems can also affect women who have never faced depression or had a history of psychological disorders. At such times, women can seek the help of a professional psychiatrist to identify and help manage clinical depression. Dealing with stress also includes finding the time and energy to take care of one’s own needs. It is crucial for women dealing with menopausal changes to take things slowly and easily, and they must avoid overthinking and overworking themselves.
4 foods that can boost mental health
health

4 foods that can boost mental health

You might have heard people saying “you are what you eat,” but do you know what it means? The connection between food and mood comes from the relationship between the brain and the gastrointestinal tract, which houses bacteria that influence the production of neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that transmit messages to the brain. Consuming specific foods enhances the development of bacteria that positively affects neurotransmitter production, boosting mental health and reducing anxiety and depression. Here are a few foods that boost the production of “good” bacteria and enhance mental wellbeing: Raw foods and fruits and veggies Eating fresh foods and veggies regularly is the first step to ensuring long-term positive effects on mental health. Researchers have found compelling evidence that people who consume more fruits and vegetables show fewer depressive symptoms and experience lower stress levels as compared to those who eat more canned, cooked, and processed food. Studies have also revealed that people who consume raw food are usually happier and feel more satisfied and fulfilled in life. These foods include leafy greens like kale, spinach, collard greens, carrots, apples, bananas, kiwifruit, and grapefruit. Yogurt People across the world prefer yogurt for the added benefit of probiotics. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that assist the digestive system to function smoothly.
5 simple tips for better oral hygiene
health

5 simple tips for better oral hygiene

Maintaining oral hygiene is an important aspect of your overall health care routine, and just brushing and flossing does not ensure it. Going for routine dental checkups, making a few lifestyle and dietary changes, and regularly monitoring your pearly whites reduce the risk of mouth and teeth problems like decay, gum disease, gingivitis, and chipping of the teeth enamel. While some signs of a developing oral health issue are obvious, many others may go unnoticed until it’s too late. Pay attention to these common signs of mouth and teeth related problems and follow an effective oral hygiene routine to prevent these issues in the first place. Look out for any physical signs of teeth decay Regularly check for signs of persistent bad breath, plaque and tartar buildup, or red and swollen gums that may indicate a developing infection. Noticing these visual indicators early helps understand the problem so that you can book an appointment for a dental checkup. Periodic dental checkups should anyway be part of your health care routine to ensure proper mouth and teeth care. Check for broken or chipped teeth Several things can chip your teeth and expose the dentin. In many cases, you might not even notice it, as it doesn’t necessarily cause pain.

© 2024 ChromeFinds.com. All Rights Reserved.