At this point in time, like with many other different kinds of cancer that we have become aware of over the years, it is impossible to be sure what leads to the development of prostate cancer in men. All that doctors can say for certain is that prostate cancer starts to develop when some of the cells within a normal, healthy prostate become mutated or abnormal. Changes to the DNA of these cells cause them to grow and divide faster than they normally would, and these abnormal cells continue to thrive when others would die off. Because of this, the accumulating cells clump together and form a tumor that can invade nearby tissues, or spread to other parts of the body.
The symptoms of prostate cancer, like the symptoms of many other cancers, are often hard to spot, because they can be associated with other more typical problems. At the same time, the early stages of prostate cancer typically stay within the prostate gland, which means that you may not notice the symptoms of prostate cancer until they have spread elsewhere.
Looking Out for Warning Signs:
While being able to notice the first symptoms of prostate cancer may be a difficult task, as it often does not cause any signs in the early stages, it's important to be aware of potential symptoms that you may notice as the cancer progresses. For example, as prostate cancer continues to grow and become more advanced, many patients suffer from a number of common issues, including trouble with urination, an inability to urinate, or the desire to urinate more frequently. Other common symptoms include blood which appears in the urine or semen, discomfort around the pelvic region, pain that radiates throughout the pelvic bone, and erectile dysfunction.
It's crucial that you make an appointment to visit your doctor if you notice any symptoms that worry you, even if you are not convinced that those signs or evidence of cancer. While the symptoms of prostate cancer are often similar to other problems that men suffer with as they age, it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to cancer testing. You may even find that if you have a history of prostate or breast cancer in your family, it would be best for you to undergo regular screening, as this may improve your chances of identifying the possible presence of cancer even before the symptoms emerge. However, there is some debate about the effectiveness of screening at this time, and you should speak to your doctor about your options.
Factors that Increase Prostate Cancer Risk:
If you would like to approach your doctor about regular screening opportunities, then it's worth looking at some of the factors that could increase your risk of prostate cancer, to see whether you fall into a specific group. For example, your risk of prostate cancer generally increases as you get older, and people with darker skin tend to have a greater risk of prostate cancer than those with lighter skin. A family history of prostate or breast cancer is a heavy indicator of risk too.