Cancer

Internationally, lung cancer now causes 1.6 million deaths annually. It’s the most common cancer worldwide, and kills more people (27%) than any other cancer. Its death toll annually is greater than the total deaths caused by colon cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer combined. Among the top 10 leading causes of death worldwide, lung cancer is number five. Cardiovascular disease continues to be the number one killer, followed by stroke, chronic obstructive lung disease (a heavy risk…

Urologist Dr Ananthakrishnan Sivaraman answers all your prostate cancer questions – what to look out for and when to see the urologist.  What are the symptoms of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)? As men grow older, they may have problems with the prostate gland. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a condition of enlarged prostate gland. As it grows bigger, it presses on the urethra causing the need for frequent trips to the restroom. Some symptoms are: Increase in…

Many cases of prostate cancer do not need treatment. Because they are so indolent, they do not threaten the individual. For men who harbour tiny, slow-growing lesions, watchful waiting or active surveillance (preferred term) is often preferable to treatment, which may include a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or chemotherapy. When it only occurs inside the prostate, it may be curable. In those in whom the disease has spread to the bones, pain medications,…

Managing prostate cancer In addition to treatment options discussed, here are other aspects of managing Prostate Cancer. Diet tips for prostate health: Include the following: Include fruits and vegetables in daily diet Chose plant proteins like beans, cereals, seeds and nuts Eat foods rich in Omega-3 Eat wholegrain and natural foods high in fibre Drink lots of water Avoid the following: Dishes high in red meat, dairy products and animal fat High intake of calcium supplements and dairy…

What tests do you need to have done 1.  Personal and family history The doctor will ask about your medical history and whether or not any close relatives were diagnosed with prostate cancer. He or she may also ask about certain symptoms that might indicate prostate disease (including cancer). Waking during the night to urinate, frequent need to urinate, or difficulty starting or stopping while urinating may indicate that your prostate is enlarged. These symptoms suspect but do not raise…

Symptoms Early prostate cancer often does not cause signs or symptoms. When signs of prostate cancer do occur, they may include: Urinating more often, especially at night Difficulty starting urinating or holding back urine Not being able to urinate Weak or interrupted flow of urine Painful or burning urination Painful ejaculation (release of semen through the penis during orgasm) Blood in the urine or semen Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs Other late symptoms…

Can prostate cancer be prevented: Proactive Screening Prostate screening can help identify several non-cancerous conditions that can become uncomfortable if left untreated. It is also currently the only known method of detecting prostate cancer during its early silent stages, when more treatment options are available. Speak to your doctor about this. Current recommendations from respected authorities are:                        …

Are you at risk of developing prostrate cancer Prostate cancer is unusual because it does not behave the same way in all men.  Sometimes the cancer will spread rapidly throughout the body and cause death.  More often it causes few, if any, symptoms for many years, and the man is more likely to die from other health issues than prostate cancer. Because of this, the lifetime risk of a man being diagnosed with prostate cancer is 16% (1 in 6) while the lifetime risk of dying from prostate…

Prostate cancer,also known as carcinoma of the prostate,is a malignant tumour in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and pelvic floor in men. The urethra (tube that carries urine from the bladder to exit the body) passes through the middle. The prostate is also the sex gland that produces the milky white fluid that helps carry and nourish sperm. Most prostate cancers are slow-growing; though some may grow…

A poem by Rita Banik, Founder, RACE to rein-in-cancer The never uttered word CANCER  The word that fills our heart with grief  Turns our feet cold with fear The word that haunts and shatters … How long shall we go on fearing? How long shall we keep running away? The more we run, the faster it chases  The faster you erase the quicker it re-appears! Now cancer invokes anger in me The anger that returns  Every time someone is diagnosed   Every time cancer takes a life…