Is prostatic enlargement common in men over 60?
By the age of 60, four out of five men will suffer the effects of an enlarged prostate, a
condition called benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH). But it is not linked to cancer. |
|
Does this condition impair sexual function?
This condition rarely impairs sexual function. |
|
Is prostatic cancer common in men over 60?
Yes it is, but the good news is that while 80 percent of all cases of prostate cancer are
experienced by men over 65, and men over 75 have a 50 percent chance of developing cancer
in the prostate, the vast majority of these cancers will never become "clinically
manifest cancer"; that is they do not become life-threatening. |
|
What are the common symptoms of BHP?
The warning signs for BPH are - frequent urination, difficulty in starting urination and a
feeling that urination is not complete. |
|
Why is it important for people over 50 to have a check up for any
problem of the prostate?
Prostate cancer is notorious for growing silently and keeping its victims unaware of its
presence until it has spread outside the prostate into surrounding tissue and bone. That
is why early detection is so important in reducing the risk of cancer. With early
detection, the cure rate is 85 percent. Not all prostate problems lead to cancer. Men over
the age of 50 should have an annual blood test and digital rectal exam; if they have a
genetic predisposition to the disease, annual tests should begin at 40. |
|
Is there any blood test that the doctor may recomend to check for
prostatic problems?
There is a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, which detects an enzyme that
usually only seeps out of the prostate and into the blood stream when a tumor is present.
It may be present in certain other cases. The specialist is the best person to advise you
on this.Recent studies reveal a high success rate for the PSA procedure, finding cancers
not yet detected in rectal exams. |
|
Besides regular examinations are there any other suggestions for
preventing prostate problems?
Older people could reduce the chances of prostatic problems by following these guidelines:
1. Lower the fat and cholesterol content in their diet
2. Limit the consumption of alcohol, coffee and spicy foods
3. Eat less meat and more vegetables
4. Sit in a warm bath for 20 minutes at least once a week to increase blood flow and
reduce swelling
5. Get plenty of exercise. Movement helps promote circulation and reduces pressure on the
prostate |
|
