Prostate cancer is said to be “silent” because it causes relatively few symptoms in its early stages. This is why it is essential to be vigilant at the first signs and to consult as soon as there is a doubt. Several factors predispose to its appearance, other factors can help you reduce the risks….so apply them from the age of 50.
About one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. The risk of developing prostate cancer is greater in men over the age of 65. Age is indeed the most important risk factor, but not the only one, for the development of prostate cancer. Other important life and genetic factors can increase the risks, they include: family history of cancer, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, poor quality of food and exposure to certain toxins.
Every man over the age of 50 is encouraged to regularly consult his doctor to carry out early screening examinations for this cancer. When cancer is caught early, there are many complementary/alternative treatments available that can be used alongside very effective standard cancer treatments. These include natural approaches like dietary modifications, exercise, yoga, acupuncture, stress management.
The most common first signs of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is sometimes said to be a “silent” disease because in the early stages, which sometimes last for years, the tumor in the gland is not large enough to cause symptoms like pain. Not all men diagnosed with this condition will necessarily experience noticeable warning signs or symptoms to alert them to the problem. This is exactly why experts believe prostate cancer screening is so important and can save your life.
The most common prostate cancer symptoms in men include:
- Difficulty urinating normally:
This may include a burning sensation or pain, trouble starting and maintaining a steady stream of urine, weak urine flow, leaking urine, more frequent need/urge to urinate, excessive urination at night , or urinary retention (not being able to urinate).
Erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting or keeping an erection), painful ejaculation or a decrease in the amount of ejaculated fluid.
- Blood in the urine (hematuria) or in the semen.
- Pressure or pain in the groin and rectum.
- Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvis or thighs. Prostate cancer can cause pelvic pain and back pain because the enlarged/inflamed prostate can compress nerves.
What to do to prevent prostate cancer
To reduce the risk of prostate cancer and reduce the symptoms of this cancer, you can: adopt an anti-inflammatory diet (Mediterranean), exercise, avoid risky drugs or supplements such as calcium, stop smoking, and managing stress.
When the disease is declared and treated, natural ways to help cope with the treatment of prostate cancer can be put in place such as: stress management with body-mind practices: meditation, sophrology, joining a support group , taking care of yourself with a healthy diet and exercise, talking with a therapist.
