Extent of the Problem
Like many cancers that form in the body, prostate cancer begins when cells grow abnormally out of control. This can have an effect on the male’s reproductive system or possibly even the urinary tract system, depending on the enlargement of the prostate. What differentiates this cancer from many others is that not only is it one of the leading causes of death for men, but it is one of the top cancers with new cases developing yearly.
2016. Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. Web. 30 Oct. 2016.
According to SEER, it is estimated that in the year 2016 there will be 180,890 new cases of prostate cancer, resulting in 26,120 deaths. This makes the rate 10.7% for all new cancer cases in the U.S.
The survival rate depends solely on the stage of diagnosis. The sooner the diagnosis, the better the chances of survival due to the localization of the cancer cells. You have a higher chance of survival the more localized the cancer is, but as it spreads your chances of survival go down drastically. For example, if cancerous cells are confined solely to your prostate, then you have an 80% chance of surviving. If it moves to your lymph nodes as well, your survival rate drops to 12%.
With new cases
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found yearly there comes a financial burden of paying for treatment. The cost depends on if one chooses to have radical prostatectomy or a process called watchful waiting. With watchful waiting your costs will be roughly half of the cost compared to if you had treatment. Researchers estimated that the financial impact to man’s life could range from $18,302 to $48,699 depending on the course of treatment and a couple key factors. Before choosing watchful waiting as your form of treatment there are a few requirements you must meet: be in the early stages, the cancer must be localized, and ultimately be considered a low risk patient. This treatment is beneficial to the patient, because it promotes a better quality of life and is cost effective. This is could also be a beneficial, because roughly 60 of the 70 percent of men diagnosed with low risk prostate cancer are treated unnecessarily. Agent of Disease Prostate cancer begins in the glands of the prostate and start to grow abnormally with a majority of the cells being adenocarcinomas. There is research being done to determine if you can be screened for “pre-prostate cancer” through a biopsy.Researchers are having a difficult time finding links to the disease and it’s causes. The Condition The reason prostate cancer can be so deadly is that there are no warning symptoms of the disease until it is too late.
As the cancer grows it can obstruct one’s urine flow and the symptoms can be easily misconstrued as another disease or condition. Another possible indication of prostate cancer is frequent urination, but this too can be misdiagnosed as another common condition. The only proactive care for prostate cancer is screening. Men should begin screening their prostates with an exam, even if they experience no symptoms after the age of 40. A doctor can feel for a rough spot by examining the prostate through the rectum, although this exam is dreaded by most it is the only way to get a definitive indication if you have the
cancer. Modes of Transmission Prostate cancer has not been proven to be a transmittable disease. There are theories suggested by a few researchers that believe prostate cancer possibly could be passed during intercourse. An infection called trichomoniasis has been suggested as a cancer growing aid that is transmitted through intercourse. These theories are still lacking the necessary proof to adhere a backing from the scientific community, so more research must be conducted. Mechanisms Currently, prostate cancer is not a communicable disease, so there are no mechanisms in place to prevent the spread. There are some programs that provide awareness to men that have a higher chance of getting the cancer. For example, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers an “Agent Orange registry health exam,” where veterans who served in the Vietnam, Korean zone, or other areas where Agent Orange was sprayed can get an in depth exam. It is suggested by research that Veterans who have had exposure to Agent Orange have a higher probability of developing prostate cancer . Host Factors Studies conducted by SEER have found that prostate cancer affects all races across the board. The Black community is leading with the most documented cases with 203.5 per 100,000 persons when compared to all other races. This makes them 1.6 times more likely to develop the cancer and twice as likely to die from it. There are a few case studies that are researching if there is a connection between the ethnicities and prostate cancer along with other factors. Aside from race, there is a specific age that appears to be more affected by the disease than the others. Generally, prostate cancer starts appearing in males after the age of 40 and diagnosis continues till their late 80s. The age bracket with the highest amount of cases diagnosed are ages 65-75 followed closely to 55-65. There is a steady incline of morbidity after the age 55, with a peak at the age range of 75-84. The median age of morbidity is 80 years old and any cases before the age of 45 are considered to be rare. Since the underlining cause of prostate cancer cannot be scientifically linked to a single determinate, it cannot be proven that one’s outside factors like marital status or nativity play a role. The only factors that researchers have discovered can be used for proactive care, like screening, but not preventative care, like a vaccine. Environmental Factors When looking at prostate cancer in the US compared to other industrialized countries, there seems to be a general consensus that more developed countries have a higher amount of cases compared to 3rd world countries. For example “For men in the U.S., the risk of developing prostate cancer is 17%. For men who live in rural China, it’s 2%”. There are a few things to take into consideration when looking at these statistics, like access to medical care and proper diagnoses. For example, some people in Africa go their whole lives without receiving proper medical attention, yet the highest ethnicity with known cases of prostate cancer come from African descend. If prostate cancer is being discovered profoundly in countries that are more industrialized, then we must look at a different factor. It could possibly have to do with culture, since the incident rates are not evenly distributed when comparing those affected and their ethnicity. One suggested factor could have to do with the environment in which you learn your eating habits. Temporal Variation Being a disease that is very specific to a portion of the population across the world, it can be considered a pandemic for men. According to CNN, over treatment of the disease is starting to become an epidemic. As the awareness of the cancer increases, so does the fear and desire for aggressive cancer treatment, but that might not always be the best case. In some cases, these treatments are known to be worthless and even harmful. “One study more than 20 years long and involving more than 60,000 men diagnosed with cancer confined to the prostate found that initial treatment with anti-androgen hormonal therapies is common. This study also confirmed previous research showing that this treatment in this population does not prolong survival.” Epidemiologic variables As mentioned before researchers are tying to make a connection between variables to look for a possible cause of prostate cancer. Some studies have been conducted on the obesity rates and the correlation with prostate cancer. According to an article Obesity and Prostate Cancer: Weighing the Evidence researchers are saying that there are connections between obesity and prostate cancer. “The identification of obesity as an additional risk factor for aggressive (prostate cancer) is of significant public health interest due to its modifiable nature. The epidemiologic association of obesity and aggressive (prostate cancer) is particularly relevant due to the pervasive nature of both diseases and the large numbers of men affected. Beyond age, race, and family history, there are few established risk factors for (prostate cancer).” Where as other publications suggest that a man’s BMI does not have an impact on the risk factors for developing prostate cancer, but possibly the degree of aggressiveness. Researchers are more confident with the theory that prostate cancer could be genetic. Studies have shown that a man with a father or brother who developed prostate cancer is two times more likely to develop the disease. Current Hypotheses One thing for certain is that prostate cancer is not going anywhere any time soon and will continue to be one of the top killers of men over 40 years old. Although screening tests have helped maintain control of the progression of the disease, there is still more research to be done if we are to try and develop a cure or vaccine. Gaps Researchers need to continue to perform studies in order to better our chances of finding a preventable measure for prostate cancer. Many theories have been established, but none are concurrent. In order to improve the current condition of prostate cancer there needs to be a preventative measure available for all men. Proposed Policies Currently there are no pubic or government policies in the works to better prostate cancer. Aside from requests for more funding from researchers, there are no programs in place other than those aimed to educate the male population on proactive care and screening. Significances It is important to find a preventative solution for prostate cancer, or else the population will continue to suffer from a drastic amount of male lives lost. If we develop a cure, vaccine, or the defining factors that trigger prostate cancer it could possibly open doors for other cancers. Further Research Further research should be conducted on the commonalities that have already been identified. For instance, why are Black men 1.6 times more likely to get prostate cancer and twice as likely to die from it? More studies should be conducted into their ethnicity and culture to see if there is a reason why they are developing the cancer more frequently than others.
Yes, there are men whose symptoms do not progress. But why wait until you feel a worsening of your symptoms? Wouldn’t it be better to take a more proactive approach toward your condition by taking Prostara, a supplement that promotes overall prostate health?
Noticing a lump in the penis can be a frightening experience. Men are often concerned that they have developed a cancer. Cancer within the penile shaft is very rare indeed, while Peyronie's disease is by far the most common cause of such lumps. If you find a lump, it is important to seek prompt medical advice, but you should not be too fearful that a serious cause will be found
Tumours that are treated at early stages have a higher chance to heal. Besides that, lesions that are well differentiated and that are superficial also have a better prognosis.
Breast cancer has always been a common thread among the women of my family; especially on my mother’s side, including my Grandmother whom passed away due to this disease before I could ever meet her. More so, my mother was gravely affected by this disease early in my life. Thankfully, she was able to stop the cancer from spreading; the doctors were able to find the cancerous cells and remove them. Due to this grave, but powerful impact on my life, I have been determined to becoming a biomedical scientist to assist on the research and treatment of this deadly disease. Although this acts as my principal driver, to study in this field, I have also been intrigued and driven by the idea that I could aid lower setting regions to receive health benefits using studies in translational medicine and
According to Essentials of Human Disease and Conditions textbook, “The most important prognostic factors are age at diagnosis, size of the primary tumor, and the presence of tissue invasion or metastases. (American Cancer Society, 2012)
Prostate cancer has been the number one diagnosed cancer today. According to the World Health Organization, approximately one in every ten American men will develop prostate cancer during his lifespan. This cancer has been very common in the last few years. American Cancer Society reported over 200,000 new cases of prostate cancer. Huge number of population suffered severely. The prostate is significant for reproduction. It helps the substances that are involved in fertilization and transporting of sperm as well as survival. Prostate tumor is developed in the prostate gland, which is found in the men’s reproductive system. Prostate is the size of a walnut, which is located inferiorly in the penis and anterior to the rectum. It contains the connective tissue, which includes the glandular and fibrous tissues. This tumor starts to develop during their adolescent year due to the control of the male reproductive hormones. When the tumor starts to develop, it begins at the urethra, which is a tube that releases the urine from the bladder. The tumor is a slow development yet it is contagious to the other parts of the body, such as it does affect the pelvic bones, lungs, liver, and the lower vertebrae (Zenka, 2009).
The leading cause of death in America is lung cancer. Lung cancer is ranked top 10 fatal cancers in the United States. There are many types of ways to get lung cancer. There is radon gas it occurs outdoors naturally. Then there is second hand smoke that comes from other people smoking. People are even getting lung cancer from cancer causing agents, this happens from carcinogens. You can also get it from air pollution indoors and outdoors. Also there are gene-mutations that form cancer causing cells. Then there is the one everyone blamed lung cancer is smoking.
Between the years of 1998 and 2004 the median survival rate for all cancers was at 61% (Australian Heath Report 2010).
Testicular cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the male’s testicles first then spreads to other parts of the body. It most commonly spreads to the lymph nodes after it spreads throughout the testicles. Testicles are part of the male’s reproductive system that makes testosterone, the male hormone, and sperm. It is treatable and can usually be cured. The signs of testicular cancer are lumps, swelling, and pain in your testicles. You can check for these lumps yourself, but it is better and more important to check with your doctor for lumps annually. Testicular cancer isn’t caused by much, but there are some risks.
Diagnosed with lung cancer, now what!? Time to do some research. Lung cancer is the number one cause of deaths in males and females. The causes, diagnosis, and treatment of lung cancer have advanced recently with new technology available to scientists and the medical profession. Lung cancer develops when the cells grow abnormally and tumors form instead of healthy lung tissue. It can take place in one or both lungs, normally the cells that line the air passages. Not all tumors are cancerous, the ones that do not spread are benign tumors. The more tumors that develop in the lungs will cause the lungs to work less efficiently. The metastatic tumors spread to other parts of the body passing through the blood stream or lymphatic system.
As a man gets older, his prostate may get bigger and block the urethra of bladder, which can cause him to have difficulty urinating or even interfere with sexual functions. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and although it is not cancer, surgery may be needed to correct it. The symptoms of BPH, or other problems in the prostate may be similar to symptoms of prostate cancer. Some common symptoms of prostate cancer are: weak or interrupted flow of urine, urinating often (especially at night), difficulty urinating, pain or burning from urinating, blood in the urine, and nagging pain in the back, hips, or pelvis. Often, there are no early symptoms of prostate cancer.
“Just take my hand, together we can do it, I’m gonna love you through it.” (I’m Gonna Love You Through It- Martina McBride). Breast cancer is an awful disease that will change your life in a single moment. ”Everything in my life was turned upside-down. I really had a wonderful life; A husband, three children. And breast cancer came along and just smashed my world” (Janelle’s Journey). Breast cancer is an aggressive war that takes a great amount of fighting to survive. “You go from being perfectly healthy, to feeling like, ‘okay, I’m dying’. It started a whirlwind of things that I never anticipated having to go through.” (Bonnie’s Story- Beyond The Shock). Did you know that the youngest person ever to have been diagnosed with breast cancer
Cancer patients often wonder if going through treatments like chemotherapy and radiation are worth the risk of the side effects, in addition to the cancerous side effects. They feel that they can’t enjoy or relax in what a short amount of time they have left because they are bedridden from the nausea and pain that treatments put them through. Patients tell their loved ones to just let them die so long as they don’t have to go through any more pain. Those who are too old, are unable to recover from the effects, or are just too far in the grips of cancer, should refuse the more harsh treatments like chemo and radiation. On the positive side, refusing treatments after a certain point can save their families from the stress and cost of hospital bills. If caught early enough, patients can opt for safer and easier routes to getting rid of cancer like surgery or by doing a stem cell transplant.
Even though cancer is more common among older people, testicular cancer can often affect younger men at the age of 15-35. Each year, nearly 4,000 men are diagnosed with testicular cancer in the US only. Nearly 400 of these cases end tragically.
Today, prostate cancer is usually detected through screening, and there are two methods for early detection. The prostate-specific antigen test (PSA) is used, but there are many factors that can influence the outcome of the PSA test. Medications such as antihistamines, physical exertion or recent ejaculation can raise a PSA level (Gray, 2009). The test itself was intended for staging the presence of known prostate cancer and is less reliable when used alone (Oliver, 2007).