Prostate and testicular cancer, what men can do

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Article Date: 18 Jun 2004 - 24:00 PDT

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There are many good reasons to take charge of your health. As we grow older, the risk of developing a chronic disease like cancer increases. Understanding what's normal for your body is an important part of staying healthy. So get to know your body, learn the warning signs of cancer and follow a healthy lifestyle.

Scientists are researching new tests and examinations to find cancer before it has a chance to grow and spread. Already some common types of cancer can be found early through screening tests. It's important to talk to your doctor about what screening programs are appropriate for you and make sure you take advantage of them.

Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in Canadian men. It is a tumour of the prostate gland, a gland located just below the bladder where the fluid of semen is produced.

What causes prostate cancer

There is no single cause of prostate cancer, but some factors appear to increase the risk of developing it:

-- Age - particularly after 65 (prostate cancer is uncommon in men under 50)

-- Family history of prostate cancer

-- Being of African ancestry

-- High levels of testosterone

-- Using cadmium at work

Some men develop prostate cancer without any of these risk factors

What you can do

-- If you are 50 years of age or older talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of screening for prostate cancer.

-- If you have a higher than average risk for prostate cancer, you may wish to discuss the possibility of starting screening at a younger age.

What to watch for

-- frequent, difficult or painful urination

-- dribbling urination

-- urine that contains blood or pus

-- pain in the lower back, pelvic area or upper thighs

-- pain during ejaculation

Testicular cancer

Although testicular cancer is quite rare, it is the most common cancer in men between the ages of 20 and 45. But it can almost always be treated successfully.

The testicles are located behind the penis in a sac called the scrotum. Testicular cancer may cause one or both of the testicles to enlarge or it may cause a lump in the scrotum. There may or may not be pain with the swelling.

What you can do

-- All men aged 15 or over should check their testicles regularly.

-- Become familiar with your testicles so you can detect any changes early; report any changes to your doctor.

-- Have regular medical check-ups by your doctor that include testicular examination.

What to watch for

-- Any change in size, shape, consistency, swelling or sensation of your testicles or scrotum

-- Pain in the testicles or scrotum

-- A dull ache or heaviness in your lower abdomen

-- Unusual and persistent backache

-- Unexplained weight loss

Reducing your risk of cancer

Research continues to show that some cancers can be prevented. Start with these steps and begin to reduce your risk of developing cancer.

-- Get to know your body.

-- Don't shrug off the warning signs.

-- Follow a healthy lifestyle.

CANADIAN HEALTH NETWORK