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Prostate Cancer
What is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a male-only organ located immediately below the bladder and just in front of the bowel. The prostate surrounds the first stage of the urethra - the duct through which urine flows out to the penis. A normal prostate is about the size of a walnut and weighs about as much as a 20 cent coin. However, this tiny organ can cause men many problems.
There are three common disorders (see below) however all can have similar symptoms, which could include one or more of the following:
- Waking frequently at night to urinate
- Sudden or urgent need to urinate
- Difficulty in starting to urinate
- Slow flow of urine and difficulty in stopping
- Discomfort when urinating
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Decrease in libido - sexual urge
- Reduced ability to get an erection
Most men who experience any of these symptoms believe it is due to the ageing process. However it is strongly advised that a doctor is consulted should you feel any of these symptoms as this may prevent any serious health concerns.
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The three common prostate disorders:
- Prostatitis
Prostatitis the least common of the prostate disorders. Of the three disorders this is usually found in younger men and is an inflammation of the prostate, which is NOT Prostate Cancer. Early diagnosis can be treated with antibiotics, if ignored it may be difficult to treat.
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
BPH enlargement of the prostate is quite common in older men. It is common for men aged 50 years onwards to experience an enlarged prostate. Difficulties in urination may occur when the enlargement is sufficient enough to squeeze the urethra, which passes through the prostate.
If these symptoms or any others as listed above occur you should consult your doctor immediately. Treatment may include antibiotics or if more developed an operation to widen the urethral passage. The operation is done under a general anaesthetic and involves a few days in hospital. BPH rarely progresses to Prostate Cancer.
- Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer is the only disorder of the three that has the potential to be life threatening. The cancer usually develops without men noticing any of the symptoms.
The condition of Prostate Cancer is where the cells of the prostate reproduce far more rapidly than in a normal prostate, causing the prostate to swell or develop a tumour. Unlike BPH, Prostate Cancer cells can eventually disseminate from the prostate and invade other parts of the body producing tumours - known as metastasis. Treatment is possible however once the cancer escapes there is no cure.
Provided appropriate treatment commences while the cancer is still confined wholly to the prostate gland, it is possible to cure it.
To be cured early diagnoses is critical so men should make themselves aware of the disease and be tested regularly from aged 50 plus or if you have a family history start as early as age 40.
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Type 2 Diabetes
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 Diabetes is when the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or the cells become resistant to insulin. Insulin takes sugar in the form of glucose, which is the main source of cellular energy into your cells.
When diabetes is untreated blood sugar levels rise and become too high. This will then starve the cells of energy, as well as may severely damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and cardiovascular system.
Some people who have Type 2 Diabetes experience no noticeable symptoms, others suffer from some of the most common symptoms of Type 2 Diabetes.
These symptoms can include:-
- Increased thirst
- Increased urination
- Fatigue
- Increased appetite
- Blurry vision
- Slow healing wounds
- Erectile dysfunction in men
It is critical that you contact you doctor as early as possible should you experience any of the above symptoms, your doctor will arrange for the appropriate tests.
If you are diagnosed withType 2 Diabetes, your first aim should be to control these symptoms and to work on stabilising your blood sugar levels and with the help of diet and exercise Type 2 Diabetes is an extremely manageable disease.
However, if you do not catch the disease early on, although it is not a killer, it can cause debilitating effects such as severe damage to other organs, such as your kidneys, which may result in the burden of a full time carer. So it is critical to consult your local GP early.
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