Prostate cancer mostly affects male above the age of 40 years. There may be no symptoms or signs may appear late. Thus, it is of utmost importance to be aware of this malignant disease so that it can be diagnosed early and treated. Read on to know more about prostate cancer.
Symptoms
Prostate cancer is asymptomatic in the initial stages. Only when the tumour grows, the enlarging prostate puts pressure in the tract carrying urine from bladder to the urethra; and this is when the cancer can be detected. Symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- Frequent urination or frequent urge to urinate
- Trouble urinating
- Inability to control urine
- Weak force or interrupted flow in the stream of urine
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- Failure to fully empty the bladder
- Blood in urine or semen
- Persistent pain in the back or pelvic region
- Pain during ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction
Treatment
Your doctor will take into account all factors such as age, sex, medical history and family’s medical history when prescribing you a prostate cancer treatment. Some of the most effective prostate cancer treatment methods are:
1. Wait and watch
2.Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy)
3.Hormone Therapy
4.Radiation Therapy
5.Chemotherapy
It is an aggressive therapy using drugs to kill and slow down the growth of the tumour. This therapy can be adopted if the cancer has already spread and is in advanced stages. However, one of the side-effects of chemotherapy is that it may also damage the healthy cells of the body.
Prevention Tips
There might be no perfect way to prevent cancer, but healthy changes to diet and lifestyle can certainly lower the risk. The following prevention tips will help in reducing the chances of you developing cancer:
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Control your diet
- Avoid food with high trans-fats and saturated fats such as dairy and animal products. Try for the healthier versions and ‘good’ fats like omega-3 fatty acid found in nuts, spinach and fish.
- Increase your intake of green and leafy vegetables and fruits. The vitamins and nutrients found in vegetable and fruits lower the risk of the cancer.
- Cut down on sweetened drinks and processed food with high sodium composition. Limit using canned or frozen foods.
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Maintain a healthy lifestyle : Stay active and exercise regularly.This not only will reduce the risks of cancer but also a host of other diseases. Staying active is essential for your prostate health. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, chalk out time for your exercise regime or any other physical activity. A healthy body-mass index can help ward off cancer.
How Cancer Insurance can help-
A Cancer insurance plan covers the medical costs arising from the detection to the diagnosis of cancer and further treatment and recuperation. The cancer-specific plan is a must-have as it gives you access to the best treatment available regardless of the cost. You can also consult experts and specialists in state-of-the-art hospitals without having to worry about your finances. Not only that, but the cancer plan also substitutes for your regular income and shields your family from any financial repercussions in case you fall prey to this deadly disease.