DEB TALK: CANCER OF THE PROSTRATE

CANCER OF THE PROSTATE....


Happy Sunday lovelies😊, it's been a while here. Am Sure you missed me, anyway am back now, and guess what things just got better on the blog❤

Let's have some health gist today about "Prostate Cancer"

Cancer of the Prostate [ CaP] a is malignantt ransformation of the cells of the prostate gland into cells with the ability to proliferate uncontrollably, erode into surrounding tissues/organs, and the potential to spread to other parts of the body. It is about the most common cancer in men, and the leading cause of cancer-related death in men, with a mortality rate of 80% in Nigeria.


The prostate gland function is to produce prostatic fluid, which is a major component of the seminal fluid [semen]. It also plays a role in ejaculation.

The prostate gland, under the influence of Testosterone, grows bigger with age. This may lead to the formation of a non-cancerous, but troublesome growth called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia [BPH], which has symptoms similar to that of CaP.

  Unfortunately, most of the major risk factors for CaP are NON-MODIFIABLE. This means they are factors that are constant, if they are present; and no degree of precautions, or life style modifications, would change them.

These factors include the following;

-Age: The likelihood of developing CaP increases with age
-Race: it is commoner in blacks, especially those of African descent. Also, more aggressive cases are seen in the black African population.

-Family History: The history of CaP in a first degree relative, increases one's risk of developing CaP by 2 to 3 folds.

-Other Risk Factors; These include:
 - Obesity
 - Smoking
 - Prostatitis [inflammation of the prostate]
 -Dietary factors such as high intake of red meat and high-fat diary products; and low intake of fruits and vegetables, are also considered risk factors.

 The General Symptoms Of Prostate cancer include:
 -Weight loss

 -Loss of appetite

 - Weakness

 -difficulty urinating: having to strain forcefully before urine starts flowing well.

-Presence of blood in urine.

  - Hesitancy: having to wait for long before urine starts flowing.

  - Weak stream of urine.

  - Incomplete emptying: feeling as if there's a leftover urine inside the bladder after urination.

  - Frequent urination, including excessive night time urination.

  - Painful urination.

  - Urgency: the uncontrollable urge to rush and go and ease oneself.

  - Urge incontinence: having urine leak before one gets to the toilet.

 With an estimated mortality rate of about 80%, Prostate cancer is one of those disease where "prevention is better than cure" is more than just a mantra. Unfortunately, most of the major risk factors are non-modifiable, so primary prevention is almost impossible, and as such of little or no use.
 Fortunately, however, most cancers of the prostate are slow-growing tumors, and as such regular screening can detect them early enough so that they can be nipped in the bud, and cured before considerable damage is done. So, EARLY DETECTION THROUGH ROUTINE SCREENING, what is called SECONDARY PREVENTION, is very important.
   Do well to read more about CaP online or follow me on my social media pages for more info/Questions....

Post by: Popoola Deborah
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