Prostate cancer occurs when the cells of the prostate begin to grow uncontrollably, causing a swelling or a tumour of the prostate. If left untreated, prostate cancer cells eventually break out of the prostate and invade distant parts of the body, producing secondary tumours and making the disease more difficult to treat. However, when diagnosed and treated early and effectively, prostate cancer has a cure rate of over 90%.
Prostate DisordersThere are three common disorders of the prostate - Prostatitis, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, and Prostate Cancer. All can have similar symptoms, which may include one or more of the following:
* Waking frequently at night to urinate
* Sudden or urgent need to urinate
* Difficulty in starting to urinate
* Slow flow of urine and difficulty in stopping
* Discomfort when urinating
* Painful ejaculation
* Blood in the urine or semen
* Decrease in libido (sex urge)
* Reduced ability to get an erection
Most men tend to accept the onset of one or more of these symptoms as being a natural consequence of ageing. Early expert diagnosis and treatment is important and may avert potentially serious health consequences. It's a must to get tested annually, beginning at age 50 or even earlier, to identify prostate disease before symptoms are evident.
For more information visit the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia website
www.prostate.org.au