Decades ago, it was believed that prostate cancer could only affect men older than 50. However, the tables have turned, and younger men should also care for their prostate health. Here are 5 things that younger men should know about prostate cancer.
- More and more young men are at risk
A few decades ago, prostate cancer was mostly associated with men older than 65. Well, it still is, but more and more cases of it are found in younger men as well.
They can be as young as 50 or 40, but very few rare cases also involve men still in their 30s.
Prostate cancer usually develops along with the unnatural enlargement of the prostate gland, and as such, men who have lived longer are at risk of being afflicted by it.
They can be as young as 50 or 40, but very few rare cases also involve men still in their 30s.
So why are younger men experiencing this condition? Well, modern lifestyle has changed considerably, and it has exposed men to environment-induced cancer-causing agents.
Still, according to a WebMD publication titled “Prostate Cancer in Younger Men,” office work has led to more sedentary lifestyle devoid of physical activities.
This has contributed to obesity. Strangely though, the younger you are with prostate cancer, the lower your lower 5-year survival rate is.
Again, recent studies have concluded that younger men who have a family history of prostate cancer may develop this disease themselves much earlier.
If a man has a father, brother, or even uncle who has had a history of prostate cancer then he is also more likely to develop this condition.
It seems prostate cancer is genetic, but lifestyle also plays a big role in determining its occurrence.
- Prostate cancer detected in younger men can be more aggressive
Some studies have shown strong evidence that prostate cancer detected in younger men is more aggressive.
With that said, men who have developed prostate cancer at a young age are more likely to die from the disease than any other complications that may come with it.
The reason behind that is suggested to be the severity of the cancerous cells.
The cancerous cells are more aggressive, to begin with, and that also becomes the reason they have developed much faster and are affecting the men who are still young.
In the meantime, prevention and medication for such an aggressive type of cancer are still very difficult, and can also be costly.
In the US, early screening and tests are recommended once a man (who has a family history of prostate cancer) turns 40. Early tests can determine more appropriate prevention and treatment.
- A healthy diet and lifestyle can minimise risks
Although prostate cancer in younger men may seem more devastating for its seemingly genetic nature, lifestyle and diet still play an important role here.
For instance, if you are a man who is aware of your family’s history with prostate cancer, you may want to take more precautions in the types of food you eat on a regular basis.
Clearly, if your father, for example, has prostate cancer and he has a certain bad lifestyle habit, try not to follow that and follow instead what is commonly known as a cancer-free lifestyle.
In another instance, try to incorporate more fruits and vegs into your diet and engage in plenty of physical activities.
Abiding by such advice may significantly minimise your risk of developing prostate cancer yourself in spite of your family history.
Also, consumption of red meats must be controlled as red meats are known as carcinogenic (cancer-inducing).
- Symptoms can be mild and hard to detect
In younger men, symptoms of prostate cancer may be hard to detect. This is because the cancer itself is somewhat mild at the beginning and the body of a younger person is stronger.
Typical issues like difficulty urinating, pain in the abdomen or crotch, erectile dysfunction, and some others may not yet be affecting men who are relatively young.
Meanwhile, when the prostate cancer has caused enough havoc is when the person starts to realise that something is wrong.
So why is prostate cancer difficult to detect? It all begins with the screening methods. Both the Prostate Specific Antigen PSA and Digital Rectal Exam DRE aren’t 100% accurate.
According to the American Cancer Society website article titled “Can Prostate Cancer Be Found Early?” both these methods could give either a false-positive or a false-negative.
Meaning the screening could misdiagnose your true condition.
And by this time, unfortunately, the cancerous cells have caused more damage than what is easy to reverse.
As such, we go back again to the notion of the importance of early screening to prevent such a calamity.
Also, again, don’t forget how important a healthy diet and lifestyle are. Don’t hesitate to consult a nutritionist and get professional advice for a healthy meal plan.
- Bald men can be at a higher risk
If you are a Caucasian man who has struggled with male-pattern baldness, you could also be at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
This notion is still quite new and vague, so further research is still needed to really determine what the connection between the two is really based upon.
Some studies concluded that men who struggle with male-pattern baldness are 56 per cent more likely to develop prostate cancer. However, another study claimed only a 2 per cent increase.
To be precise, a study done on men and published in the Annals of Oncology found a strong correlation between male baldness and prostate cancer.
The study report titled “Male pattern baldness and the risk of prostate cancer” confirms that men who lose hair in their twenties were twice as likely to have prostate cancer as their hairy counterparts.
Well, since the idea is out there anyway, it would not hurt to try to consult with your doctor.
You could ask your doctor if he has any information on how male-pattern baldness may link to a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
You could also get yourself screened or tested for whether or not you have prostate cancer antigen.
In conclusion, we can say that we have provided detailed information regarding five things young men should know about prostate cancer. We hope that understanding these five things can help you know more about prostate cancer.
SIMILAR QUESTION
What Are The 5 Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer In Men?
Introduction
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men in the United States. It is a serious health condition that can have a major impact on a man’s life. It is important to be aware of the warning signs of prostate cancer in order to seek treatment as soon as possible. This paper will discuss the five warning signs of prostate cancer in men.
Warning Sign #1: Changes in Urination
One of the most common warning signs of prostate cancer is changes in urination. Men may experience difficulty in starting or stopping the flow of urine, a weak flow of urine, or an increased need to urinate. They may also experience a feeling of discomfort while urinating or a burning sensation.
Warning Sign #2: Blood in Urine or Semen
Another warning sign of prostate cancer is blood in the urine or semen. This is usually a symptom of advanced prostate cancer and should be checked out by a doctor as soon as possible.
Warning Sign #3: Pain in the Pelvis or Lower Back
Pain in the pelvis or lower back can also be a warning sign of prostate cancer. This is usually a symptom of advanced prostate cancer and should be checked out by a doctor.
Warning Sign #4: Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can also be a warning sign of prostate cancer. This is usually a symptom of advanced prostate cancer and should be checked out by a doctor.
Warning Sign #5: Painful Ejaculation
Painful ejaculation can also be a warning sign of prostate cancer. This is usually a symptom of advanced prostate cancer and should be checked out by a doctor.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer is a serious health condition that can have a major impact on a man’s life. It is important to be aware of the warning signs of prostate cancer in order to seek treatment as soon as possible. This paper has discussed the five warning signs of prostate cancer in men, which include changes in urination, blood in the urine or semen, pain in the pelvis or lower back, erectile dysfunction, and painful ejaculation. It is important to seek medical attention if any of these warning signs are present so that treatment can be sought as soon as possible.
