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by: JessieLupi
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The exact cause for prostate cancer is unknown but there are several risk factors which can be observed. Some of these factors are a high fat diet or heritage of example.

In order to avoid prostate cancer and to get treatment as early as possible it is not enough to watch out for prostate cancer symptoms. One you detect the symptoms, the cancer is already in an advanced stage. Therefore you must visit your doctor at fixed intervals even before you discover any symptoms.

After the cancer has broken out already, you could have symptoms like weak or interrupted urine flow, blood in the urine or a pain in the back, thighs or hips. There could also be a burning sensation.

Early detection of the cancer is vital. As stated already, it is important to have a screening examination in order to detect the cancer early. If detected early enough the cancer is curable.

Part of the diagnosis is a rectal examination by your doctor. He puts his finger in your rectum to find anything strange with your prostate gland. If he finds something then a blood test will be the next step. The doctor will want to check for PSA, a prostate specific antigen in the blood stream. If the concentration of PSA is very high, it is a strong sign of cancer.

A trans rectal ultrasound examination is another option. This painless method gives a good picture of the gland within 20 minutes.

If any of the test gives a strong indication for a possible prostate cancer then the best method to get certain is a biopsy. During a prostate biopsy the doctor inserts a needle to take a sample of the tissue. It is then examined under the microscope. It sounds painful but it isn't. It is also a very fast way to determine cancer.

If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body can be checked by x-ray, computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. It would be a bad sign if the cancer has reached the lungs already.

For the treatment of prostate cancer a urologist, oncologist and a surgeon is required. The surgery is the most common treatment option with the aim to totally remove cancer from the body. However, the surgery can have some serious side effects. This is why some prefer another therapy called cryosurgery which uses ultrasound and liquid nitrogen.

If treatment has started early enough then the prognosis is good. It is possible that the cancer could be completely removed. Statistics say that after five years more than 95% of men are still alive. The prognosis goes down significantly below 30% survival rate if the cancer was detected late.