PROSTATE CANCER

Prostate cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in the tissues of the prostate - gland (about the size of a walnut) which is located under the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. It produces a fluid component of semen which transports sperm during ejaculation.

Presenting symptoms: Possible symptoms of prostate cancer include passing water more frequently at night, reduced urine flow, blood in the urine or semen or simply a raised PSA blood test (find out more).

UK incidence: The risk of this condition increases with the age, generally men over the age of 50 are affected. In the UK nearly 32,000 men are diagnosed every year with prostate cancer which causes more than 10,000 deaths every year. Overall, one man in fourteen will get prostate cancer at some point in his life.

Types: Although there are several cell types in the prostate, nearly all prostate cancers start in the gland cells. This kind of malignancy is known as adenocarcinoma (find out more).

Risks factors: Most cases of this condition are diagnosed in men over the age of 65. There are usually no predisposing risk factors but there is some evidence of associations with a previous poor diet (high in fat, low in fruits and vegetables), being a black male, men who have a strong family history of the disease are at greater risk. (find out more)

Tests to determine a diagnosis and help decide on treatment options: Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test, Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), biopsy (find out more)

Treatment options (find out more): Prostate cancer can often grow very slowly and most men with this diagnosis live their lives without it causing any problems to them. Therefore there is a lot to consider when deciding the best way to treat prostate cancer. It may take more than one visit to your doctor to discuss all your concerns and you may want to consider getting a second opinion. Make sure all your concerns and questions have been answered before you decide on a treatment. Your treatment plan may involve one or a combination of treatments:

Helpful resources and links

Micro-nutrient testing Empower yourself to make dietary choices specific to your personal make up. This Cancer Risk Nutritional Profile, analyses your blood profile and recommends specific dietary and supplement advice to ensure you have the best possible nutritional status to fight cancer an aid recovery from treatments....read more

Download a free chapter describing how to avoid cancer forming chemicals (Carcinogens) in our diet and environments from the new edition of the best selling evidence based book "Lifestyle after Cancer - the facts"

Make a will (or living will) Cancernet has teamed up with a leading UK lawyer to drive down the cost of making a solicitor checked will. This reliable, easy to use, online resource ensures your assets (money, property, jewellery, etc) go to the person you want and not those you least want such as the taxman. Cancernet-glossLegal wills start from £39....read more

Protect your lips during chemotherapy There is evidence that natural oil based creams are better than petroleum based creams. natureMedical lip balm has been specifically design to soothe and moisturise the lips during and after chemotherapy or after sun exposure. It only contains only natural waxes and essential oils selected for their anti-inflammatory and DNA stabilizing properties...read more/order

Protect your nails during chemotherapy. Nails can become painful and disfigured during and after chemotherapy. We describe the latest nail care guidelines and number of useful tips to keep them healthy, including cooling and moisturizing ...read more

Poems and cancer Cancer is emotional and stressful time not only for the patients but friends and relatives. This emotional can inspire reflection, sentiment and creative writing and poetry. Hundreds of poems have been kindly submitted by users of cancernet. Caution: take a tissue some of these are real emotional bombshells!.. Read poems or...submit your own poem

Look after your family after cancer - A diagnosis of cancer can cause a strain on family harmony. With emotions running high its not a good time to be upset further by destructive arguments. This practical little book has identified the situations where arguments are most likely to happen and provides simple tips to navigate around them...download £1.99

Lifestyle and cancer - the facts. This 2011, edition with a foreword from Paula Radcliffe has been extensively re-written with evidence from the latest research from around the world which demonstrates how diet, exercise and lifestyle changes can; help avoid cancer (read chapter 9 free), cope with treatments side effects; slow the rate of progression of cancer and help prevent relapse. This comprehensive essential lifestyle guidebook can be ordered online (£8.95), or downloaded via kindle

Prepared for cancer treatments. Patients and professionals, teamed up with Sue Lawley to produce this 21 minute film which explains chemotherapy & radiotherapy while you watch patients, describing their experiences, side effects and methods to alleviate them. Awarded the NHS communication prize ... read more / order individually or in bulk for your oncology department

Keep-healthy.com Practical evidence based advice on healthy living including ways to naturally reduce cholesterol, reduce blood pressure, keep healthy eyesight, hearing, maintain a healthy weight and level of fitness. Includes advice on supplements and other useful products...link

Support groups and self help organisations throughout the UK and internationally. Links to Asian support organisations; Read patient stories, poems and links to the Cancer active website addressing a wide range of complementary issues related to cancer and their a quarterly magazine (ICON).. submit a link to your group