The prostate is a gland found in men’s sexual organs and is related to an abnormal growth of cells in that region. Prostate cancer is any abnormal growth of cells within the prostate region of a man. As men go over the age of 40 the levels of a by-product prolactin of testosterone in man increases. This in turn stimulates the manufacturing of an enzyme recognized as five alpha-reductase which brings about the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This DHT causes the enlargement of the prostate and most prostate cancers.
Common risk factors including age, family history and a diet high in fat content can lead to a higher probability of prostate problems. If you have more than one of the risk factors mentioned it is important to get a diagnosis and check up from a medical professional as there are not many early symptoms and they can remain hidden for some time and / or be confused for other less serious conditions which people may think have just faded away. Examples of these are leg discomfort, back pain and urinary difficulties.
There are lots of causes of prostate cancer ranging from genetic factors to hormonal imbalance. Some individuals may have a naturally enlarged prostate as well as mineral deficiency like that of zinc deficiency which can be a cause of prostate cancer. Obesity is an additional trigger of as studies have shown that a high trans or saturated fat diets contribute to hormonal imbalances which is one of the leading causes of the disease. Deficiency of testosterone and excess estrogen is also known cause.
The common symptoms of prostate cancer include Nocturia – commonly mistaken for insomnia. This is the condition of being awakened in the middle of the night to urinate more than one or two times. An additional symptom is Dysuria. Dysuria is really a complication linked to genitourinary infections which cause unpleasant urination. This is because the virus has spread to the urinary tract and causes urinary tract infections.
Other Common Signs of Prostate Problems
There are many other prostate disorders which may help you to diagnose early stage prostate cancer such as:
- Frequent urination
- Trouble urinating (holding it in, or the start)
- A painful, burning urination
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine
- Blood in urine or semen (this is often a small amount blood invisible to the human eye)
- Hurts to ejaculate
- Hurts inside hips, pelvic region, lower back or thighs
If pain is experienced in locations near the prostate region or groin, it may be a sign that the cancer has spread to adjacent parts of the body. If you experience this indicator and also have the risk factors described above, it is best to consult your doctor to have it checked out.