Prostate Cancer

Posted in General Health & Wellness on March 2, 2011.  Last modified on April 23, 2019. Read disclaimer.

It is estimated that about 16% or 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in their lifetime. The 2nd most common cancer among men (behind skin cancer), the causes of Prostate Cancer are not fully understood.

Men most at risk for Prostate Cancer include:

• Age 50 or over
• Have a father or brother who had Prostate Cancer, especially if it was diagnosed at a young age.
• Are African American
• Eat a high fat diet

Prostate Cancer often displays no symptoms in the early stages. More advanced symptoms may include:

• Difficulty urinating (weak flow, pain or burning) or difficulty starting or stopping
• Need to urinate frequently during the nighttime
• Little warning before needing to urinate
• Pain in lower back or pelvis area
• Blood in urine or semen
• Difficulty having an erection

Prostate Cancer prevention: One of the best things a man can do to protect against Prostate Cancer is to eat a healthy diet that is low in high-fat foods or processed meats and high in fruits, vegetables and whole-grain foods.

E.D. (Erectile Dysfunction)

An estimated 30 million American men suffer from Erectile Dysfunction. The good news is that, for most, it is a treatable condition.

Risk factors for E.D. include:

Age: ED becomes more common as men age. It occurs in...

• 4% of men in their 50s
• 17% of men in their 60s
• 47% of men over age 75

Damage:

• Injury that may cause nerve, artery or muscle damage or decreased blood flow
• Surgery related nerve damage

Disease:

• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Hypertension, Atherosclerosis, Heart Disease, High Cholesterol
• Hormonal issues

Lifestyle

• Smoking
• Excess alcohol consumption
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Stress or other psychological factors
• Use of a wide range of common medications
• Illegal drugs

E.D. prevention: Many of the steps a man can take for heart health may reduce his chances of developing ED.