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The
Prostate The prostate is a small gland,
normally the size of a walnut. It is doughnut shaped and is found under the
bladder. The urethra passes through the centre of the prostate as it emerges
from the bladder. The
prostate has three main problems i) The
prostate enlarges with age, it then presses on the urethra. This reduces the
rate at which urine can flow through the prostate and causes urinary obstruction.
This is benign prostatic hypertrophy. ii)
The
prostate may become infected causing
prostatitis.
This causes pain, difficulty passing urine or even complete retention. iii)
The
prostate gland may develop a cancer in it. This eventually causes urinary
obstruction, blood in the urine.
Prostatic cancer
is
generally slow but may
spread to other parts of the body.
Screening
for prostate cancer: Traditionally, a doctor
examines the prostate by doing a rectal examination. Although this is still
useful, it will only detect cancer at a late stage. PSA
screening allows prostate cancer to be detected while the cancer is still
curable. Over the age of forty, the risk of prostate cancer increases. In the US
most men have regular (annual) PSA checks, and prostate cancer deaths have
fallen by about 7%. It is not routinely available on the NHS in this country
because it has not been conclusively proven that PSA testing does reduce deaths
from prostate cancer. Annual PSA tests enable the
prostate gland to monitored over time. This will help detect prostate cancer
while it can still be cured. Most private clinics and
laboratories will undertake PSA screening. Cost ioro £ Prevention Prostate cancer is more common
in people who eat a high fat diet. Vitamin E and selenium supplements may
prevent prostate cancer, although the evidence is not yet conclusive. Prostate cancer does run in
families, there is an increased risk if your father or brothers have had it. It
is also more common in men of African-Caribbean origin. If you are in these
groups then it is important to have your PSA levels checked regularly.
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