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Aloha, fruity fam. Happy Weekend!
We're committed to keeping you informed and empowered on health matters that concern us all. In this edition, we shed light on prostate cancer, a disease that predominantly affects men.
And let's not forget, in June, we passionately raised awareness for prostate cancer during Men's Health Week and thank you for this.
Also, our September campaign is in full swing, focusing on raising awareness for various cancers, including prostate cancer. Join us in spreading the word on social media by tweeting or posting about it. Don't forget to tag us so we can reward you at the end of the month!
Happy Friday, fruity souls!🥳🍓🥰Your tweets can make a difference in someone's life. Spread positivity, kindness, and cancer awareness this September.We're rewarding 2 awesome fruities at the end of the month! 🏆Keep up the good work! 💚 pic.twitter.com/09cUQ6awjZ
So, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
However, with early detection and appropriate care, the chances of survival are significantly improved.
Understanding Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer is known for its slow growth, often showing no symptoms in its early stages. It primarily starts in the outer part of the prostate gland and typically remains asymptomatic until it advances and begins to exert pressure on the urethra (the tube carrying urine from the bladder to the penis).
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer often doesn't present symptoms in its early stages. However, as the disease progresses, individuals may experience:
Frequent, sometimes urgent, need to pee, especially at night.
Weak urine flow or flow that starts and stops.
Pain or burning when you pee (dysuria).
Loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence).
Loss of bowel control (fecal incontinence).
Painful ejaculation and erectile dysfunction (ED).
Blood in semen (hematospermia) or pee.
Pain in your low back, hip or chest.
What are the types of prostate cancer?
Adenocarcinomas is the common one- it start in the cells of glands — like your prostate — that secrete fluid. Rarely, prostate cancer forms from other types of cells.
Less common types of prostate cancers include:
Small cell carcinomas.
Transitional cell carcinomas.
Neuroendocrine tumors.
Sarcomas.
4. Tests for Prostate Cancer To diagnose prostate cancer, several tests are commonly used, including:
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): A physical exam where a doctor checks the prostate gland's texture and size by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: A blood test that measures PSA levels. Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate issues, leading to further testing.
Biopsy: A sample of prostate tissue is collected and examined under a microscope to confirm cancer.
Imaging Tests: MRI, CT scans, bone scans, or ultrasound may be used to determine the extent of cancer.
5.Treatment for Prostate Cancer Treatment options for prostate cancer include:
Active Surveillance: Monitoring low-risk cancers without immediate treatment.
Surgery: Surgical removal of the prostate gland (radical prostatectomy).
Radiation Therapy: Using high-energy rays to target and eliminate cancer cells.
Hormone Therapy: Medications to lower or block hormone production that fuels cancer growth.
Chemotherapy: Administering chemotherapy drugs to slow cancer progression.
Immunotherapy: Stimulating the immune system to target and attack cancer cells.
6. When prostate cancer reappears
Prostate cancer may show up elsewhere in the body or—after treatment—reappear in the prostate or elsewhere. These cancers are:
Recurrent prostate cancer: This is a cancer that returns to the prostate after treatment. Prostate cancer treatment is designed to kill cancerous cells, but it may leave some undetected cells behind.
Metastatic prostate cancer: This is prostate cancer that spreads to other parts of the body. These cancer cells may have traveled via the bloodstream or the lymphatic system.
Because most prostate cancer cells are less aggressive and slower growing than cells found in many other cancers, about 90 percent of prostate tumors are diagnosed before the cancer has had a chance to spread outside the prostate region. If the cancer metastasizes, making it an advanced prostate cancer, it most likely will develop in nearby tissue, lymph nodes or seminal vesicles first before traveling to the bones or to the liver, lungs, brain, more distant lymph nodes or other organs.
7. Risks and Causes of Prostate Cancer While the exact cause of prostate cancer remains unknown, various risk factors, including age, genetics, family history, and lifestyle, contribute to its development.
8. Sex and erection problems after treatment for prostate cancer
Prostate cancer treatments can indeed bring changes to your sexual health. These treatments may impact the nerves crucial for achieving an erection or alter hormone levels necessary for maintaining one.
It's important to recognize that despite these changes, you can still maintain a satisfying sex life. There are various treatment options available, although it's essential to note that not everyone chooses to pursue them. These treatments encompass:
Drug Therapies: This includes the use of tablets and creams designed to aid in achieving and maintaining an erection.
Vacuum Pumps: These devices create a vacuum around the penis, promoting blood flow and aiding in achieving an erection.
Implants: Surgical implants are available as a more lasting solution to support your ability to have an erection.
9. Curious about the connection between prostate cancer and the risk of bladder or testicular cancer?
Here's the scoop: Prostate cancer doesn't directly cause these other cancers. However, there are some important things to consider:
Shared Risk Factors: Some risk factors for cancer, like genetics or family history, can increase the chances of developing various types of cancer. So, it's essential to talk to your doc if cancer runs in your family.
Treatments and Risks: Treatments for prostate cancer, like radiation or chemo, can slightly raise the risk of secondary cancers. But remember, these aren't caused by prostate cancer itself; it's more about the treatments.
Regular Check-ups: Whether you've battled prostate cancer or not, sticking to regular cancer screenings is vital. They help catch potential new cancers or health issues early, which is a game-changer.
Unique You: Your cancer risk is as unique as you are. It depends on things like your genes, lifestyle, and environment. So, always chat with your healthcare team to understand your personal risk.
Long story short, prostate cancer isn't the culprit for bladder or testicular cancer. But it's crucial for those with a prostate cancer history to stay on top of their health with screenings and check-ins. And if you have concerns about your cancer risk, your doc is the best person to chat with – they've got your back!
10. Prostate Cancer & Stigma
Discussing prostate cancer can be challenging, often linked to fear and discomfort around intimate health matters. But it's crucial to remember that these are normal aspects of healthcare and shouldn't carry shame.
Prostate cancer is a global issue, impacting millions of men worldwide yearly, with approximately 1.4 million new cases and 375,000 lives lost to it.
Why break this silence and challenge the stigma?
Regular Check-ups: Early detection improves outcomes. Men over 50, especially with a family history, should proactively seek screenings, including PSA blood tests and digital rectal exams.
Seeking Help: There's no shame in consulting healthcare professionals. They're here to provide support and care.
Open Communication: Sharing experiences and encouraging open discussions reduces stigma. Support groups and online communities are valuable resources.
Let's talk about it! 💙🙌 Write us at tuttifruttiwomen@gmail.com or on twitter.
Early detection is key, and by breaking the silence, we can ensure every man receives the care and support he deserves. Your health matters, and there's no shame in prioritising it.
Wishing you all a weekend and a week ahead filled with joy, love, health and the knowledge that your efforts are making a real difference in the lives of others!
Thank you for being a part of our awesome community and for your commitment to spreading cancer awareness and support. Together, we are stronger!
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