Prostate Cancer

Prostate problems are common in men and most are not an indication of cancer. That said, it is important to note that about 200,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States each year.

Early detection of prostate cancer is crucial to survival. Annual examinations by a medical profession can detect the early stages of prostate cancer, so it is vital that men make prostate exams a regular part of their health routine. Doing so may prevent you from joining the about 30,000 men who die each year from prostate cancer.

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Prostate Cancer Prevention?

Can something as common as quercetin, a substance found in a variety of fruits, vegetables and tea, be the key to preventing cancer of the prostate? It has potential, according to recent research conducted by the Mayo Clinic.

"By blocking the androgen activity, the growth of prostate cancer cells can be prevented or stopped," said Nianzeng Xing, Ph.D., the clinic researcher who presented the results. Androgens are male hormones that contribute to the spread of prostate cancer.

While Xing said more research must be completed before too much, the early indicators are promising. Xing said a promising strategy in fighting prostate cancer "may be to minimize or eliminate the amount of the androgen receptor."

The effects of quercetin have been studied for decades and it is used to treat a variety of ailments including asthma and gout. Quercetin is also found in apples and leafy vegetables.

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Enlarged Prostate

The prostate is located on front of the rectum, between the bladder and the penis. The urethra, the tube that carries urine from the body, travels through the prostate.

Men suffering from an enlarged prostate often experience urinary symptoms because as the prostate swells it can affect the flow of urine. Nearly 80 percent of all men develop an enlarged prostate at some point in their lives.

Infections, particularly bacteria based, are also not uncommon. Antibiotics are often prescribed to eliminate infection.

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Prostate Problem Symptoms

Symptoms of urinary or prostate problems include:

• Dribbling urine following urination
• Increased urge to urinate
• Bloody urine or semen
• Difficulty retaining urine
• Frequent urination
• Burning while urinating

Should you experience any of the above symptoms, contact your physician.

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Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is less common, affecting about one in 25,000 men each year, but it can be as deadly as prostate cancer.

Self-examination is the most common way to discover the early stages of testicular cancer.

When examining the testicles be alert for a painless lump on or in the testis. As important is detection of a hardened area of the testis or the enlargement of the testis. The presence of these indicators should prompt consultation with a physician.

Testicular cancer has one of the highest cure rates of all cancers, but early detection is crucial to recovery.

Contact your physician or the American Cancer for more information on testicular cancer and self-examination guidelines.

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