Life with prostate cancer can be challenging as it comes with pains, frequent hospital appointments, and some discomfort.
Life With Prostate Cancer
However, all hope is not lost since proper management of prostate cancer can help a patient feel better and healthier.
In the Facility where I practice, I have come to encounter prostate cancers and I was driven with empathy to write this piece of work to encourage a healthier lifestyle with prostate cancer.
Three major types of prostate disease
The prostate gland is an oval-shaped gland located between the bladder and the penis. Because the urethra runs through this gland, its enlargement can lead to obstruction of the normal urine flow.
The major function of this gland in the male reproductive system is to secrete the seminal fluids that help to transport and nourish the sperm cells.
The prostate gland just like every other organ of the body can be affected by a disease.
Notwithstanding, diseases of the prostate can come in 3 ways;
- Prostatitis or inflammation of the prostate
- Benign Prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH)
- Prostate cancer
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland. Most times, this inflammation can be caused by the infiltration of the gland by microorganisms, especially bacteria. Secondly, inflammation of the prostate may also occur in the absence of a microorganism – known as Chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS).
Hence, prostatitis that occurs as a result of a Urinary Tract Infection is easily managed by targeting the causative agent with a suitable antimicrobial agent. Contrary, the CPPS is more difficult to manage since diagnosis and treatment are difficult to pinpoint.
Common risk factors of prostatitis include;
- Damage or trauma that affects the prostate gland.
- Urethral catheterization (the tube that helps to drain urine for hospitalized patients)
- Sexual activity
- Middle age (25 years to 50 years)
- Persistent or recurrent urinary tract infection
- Poor immune system such as HIV patients
- Irritation of the prostate by a chemical, previous surgery, or biopsy.
Benign Prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
The benign prostate hyperplasia is an abnormal enlargement of the prostate gland. This type of prostate disease is usually age-related and affects men above the age of 50 years.
However, it is worth knowing that BPH is different from prostate cancer and does not in any way increase the likelihood of getting cancer.
But, due to the enlargement of the prostate gland, the urethra which passes out urine is squeezed. This obstructs urine flow.
Consequently, there is the retention of urine in the bladder which can cause some of the following diseases if not managed properly; Painful urination, Urinary tract infection, and Kidney Diseases.
Therefore, life with untreated benign prostate hyperplasia can be very uncomfortable and decrease the quality of life.
Prostate cancer
The abnormal growth of the cells of the prostate gland is known as prostate cancer. This type of cancer is one of the most common cancers in men after skin cancer.
Target outcome
Reduce the size of the prostate, improve PQOL, improve urinary output and manage erectile dysfunction.
What adverse effects have finasteride on sexual function; decreased libido, impotence, gynecomastia.
What causes prostate cancer
There’s no proven prostate cancer prevention strategy. But you may reduce your risk of prostate cancer by making healthy choices, such as exercising and eating a healthy diet. If you’re concerned about your risk of prostate cancer, you may be interested in prostate cancer prevention.
Symptoms of prostate cancer
What Are the Five Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer?
- A painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation.
- Frequent urination, particularly at night.
- Difficulty stopping or starting urination.
- Sudden erectile dysfunction.
- Blood in urine or semen.
Prostate cancer prevention
Here is what you should know Today: Read More.
- Choose a low-fat diet.
- Increase the number of fruits and vegetables you eat each day. Fruits and vegetables are full of
- vitamins and nutrients that are thought to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, though research
- hasn’t proved that any particular nutrient is guaranteed to reduce your risk.
Prostate cancer treatment
Treatment depends on the stage and Here is what you should Note Today: Read More.
Some types of prostate cancer grow slowly. In some of these cases, monitoring is recommended. Other types are aggressive and require radiation, surgery, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or other treatments.
Palliative care
Palliative care and Watchful waiting
Medical procedure
Particle therapy, Teletherapy, Brachytherapy, and Radiation therapy
Surgery
Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, Radiosurgery, Prostatectomy, Radical retropubic prostatectomy, and Laparoscopic surgery
Medications
Hormone Associated Therapy, Bone health, Chemotherapy, and Urinary retention medication
lifestyle management
We have lots of things we will talk about on this part of Prostate cancer Life management and the list will outline it better:
- What foods kill prostate cancer cells?
- What is the best exercise for prostate cancer?
- Does walking help your prostate?
- What is the best fruit for the prostate?
What foods kill prostate cancer cells?
There is no particular food or recipe that can directly kill prostate cancer cells. Some foods that may be helpful in prostate cancer recovery and relapse prevention include foods containing lycopene, beans, green tea, cruciferous vegetables, and fruit like cranberries, strawberries, blueberries, and pomegranates.
What is the best exercise for prostate cancer?
From www.Cancer.Net – Kegels are great for men with prostate cancer because they can help control incontinence without medication or surgery, as well as may improve erectile issues. It’s smart to start Kegel exercises before surgery and other treatments. To perform a Kegel, tighten and release your pelvic floor muscles.
What is the best fruit for the prostate?
Share on Pinterest Strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries are on a recommendation as part of an enlarged prostate diet. The prostate gland is in control by powerful hormones by name the sex hormones, including testosterone
Does walking help your prostate?
From Harvard University – In a study of more than 1,400 men diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer, men who walked briskly (not leisurely) for at least three hours a week were 57% less likely to have their cancer progress than those who walked less often and less vigorously.
