“I am living proof that if you catch prostate cancer early, it can be reduced to a temporary inconvenience, and you can go back to a normal life.” Norman Schwarzkopf

• Prostate Health-Related Facts:

Indian Journal Of Urology reports; Prostate cancer is primarily a disease of the elderly with more than three-quarters of the cases occurring in men above 65 years of age.

This disease has become a major health problem globally during the last few decades. Studies have shown that prostate cancer is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in men worldwide and the fifth most common cancer overall. ^[1]

It is disheartening to note that approximately 4.04 million years of healthy life are lost globally due to prostate cancer alone. It is also the sixth leading cause of cancer deaths in men. ^[2]

Worldwide, prostate cancer is projected to have the largest proportionate increase in cancer cases in men by 2020.

Apart from Prostate Cancer, Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common non-malignant condition among older men. The numbers are on the rise.

The prostate has become a major cause of men’s health over the last few years. It is pertinent to become aware of it especially when the real cause of the Prostate disease is not known.

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• What is Prostate?

The prostate is a small, soft gland about the size of a walnut, located deep inside the groin, between the base of the penis and the rectum.

It is important for reproduction gland of men.

• Functions of the Prostate:

The Prostate is not essential for life, but it is important for reproduction. Healthy semen is the perfect consistency and environment for sperm transit, survival, and for fertilization.

Semen includes enzymes like PSA (which is often measured as part of screening for prostate cancer), as well as other substances made by the seminal vesicles and prostate, such as zinc, citrate, and fructose, that actually give sperm energy to make the journey to the egg.

• Types of Prostate Disease:

Prostate Cancer

Malignant growth in the prostate cell is known as Prostate cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer cells and can spread to other areas of the body.

Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow uncontrollably. The prostate is a gland found only in males. According to American Urology Foundation symptoms of Prostate cancer are;

• Dull pain in the lower pelvic area
• Frequent urinating
• Trouble urinating, pain, burning, or weak urine flow
• Blood in the urine (Hematuria)
• Painful ejaculation
• Pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of weight
• Bone pain

Prostate cancer cells can spread by breaking away from a prostate tumor. They can travel through blood vessels or lymph nodes to reach other parts of the body.

Here is a book you may like to read: Me, My Cells & I: A Survivor’s Seriously Funny Guide to the Science of Cancer

BPH

BPH, benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a condition in which the prostate is enlarged.

With BPH, there is an overgrowth of prostate tissue which pushes against the urethra and the bladder, blocking the flow of urine.

The following video shows the location, function of the Prostate and what is BPH.

A benign growth of the Prostate;

• Are rarely a threat to life
• Don’t invade the tissues around them
• Don’t spread to other parts of the body
• Can be removed and usually don’t grow back

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a painful condition in which the prostate is inflamed, swollen, and tender. It can be caused by a bacterial infection or just simply be inflamed.

BPH and Posterities are not life-threatening but since symptoms of all kinds of Prostate disease is similar, it is very important to get the required test done in consultation with your doctor.

• Symptoms of Prostate Disease

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the following are the symptoms of Prostate Disease.

• A need to urinate frequently, especially at night, some- times urgently
• Difficulty starting or holding back urination
• Weak, dribbling, or interrupted flow of urine
• Painful or burning urination
• Difficulty in having an erection
• A decrease in the amount of fluid ejaculated
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Pressure or pain in the rectum
• Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvis, or thighs

These symptoms are not necessarily are of Prostate cancer. There is other two common Prostate Disease which is BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, also known as enlargement of the prostate) and Posterities.

• Usual Tests:

Beginning at about age 50 (earlier if your family history suggests it), all men should consider starting routine screening for prostate cancer. Routine screening includes two types of tests—both are simple and relatively painless.

The DRE

The first test is the digital rectal exam (DRE). The test is quite brief, and it might be uncomfortable, but it should not be painful.

The PSA Test

The second type of test is equally simple: the PSA test.

The PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate, and a rising PSA level can be one of the first signs of prostate cancer.

• Usual causes of Prostate Disease:

There is no direct cause of Prostate disease but some reports suggest age, family history, smoking, diet, and lifestyle may affect the risk of prostate cancer.

A lack of exercise is also linked to poor outcomes. Obesity (or being very overweight) is known to increase a man’s risk of dying from prostate cancer.

• Food for Prostate Health:

Zero , working to fight Prostate cancer,  recommends;

• Eat Fruits and Vegetables

  • Fruits and vegetables contain large amounts of cancer-fighting and inflammation-reducing substances like vitamins, polyphenols, antioxidants, minerals, and natural fiber.
    • Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale and cabbage
    • Tomatoes
    • Pomegranates
    • Grapes and grape juice
    • Grapefruit
    • Oranges, lemons and other citrus fruits
    • Avocados
    • Peppers and jalapenos
    • Apples
    • Berries(raspberries and blueberries)

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• Limit Consumption of Animal Protein

  • Diets high in red meat, dairy products, and animal fat have frequently been connected with the development of prostate cancer. Red meat (such as beef, pork, and lamb) is particularly tied to aggressive prostate cancer.

• Seek Plant Protein

  • Plant-based protein like beans, flax, and nuts contain quercetin and lignans that suppress the growth of many kinds of cancer including prostate cancer.

• Green Tea

  • Green tea is the best source of catechins which are being studied for their anti-cancer properties. Green tea has been shown to slow and/or prevent the development of prostate cancer.

• Whole Grains

  • Whole grains include brown rice, oatmeal, corn, whole wheat bread, barley, bulgar, kasha, millet, faro, quinoa, and more. Whole grains are great sources of fiber and magnesium and provide protein.

• Limit Sugary Drinks

  • Cutting down on surgery carbonated beverages and drinking water can speed metabolism and flush the body of cancer-causing substances.

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• Yoga for Prostate Health:

Yoga asana certainly helps in maintaining proper health of Prostate Gland and curing Prostate-related disease.

In a case study by the Department of Scientific Research, Kaivalyadhama S.M.Y.M. Samiti, Lonavla, it was found that patients who practiced the following Asana found a substantial improvement in their Prostate health.

• Ardha halasana 
• Pawana Muktasana 
• Kativakrasana 
• Makarasana 
• Niralambasana 
• Bhujangasana
• Naukasana 
• Dandasana 
• Parvatasana
• Vajrasana
• Vakrasana
• Gomukhasana
• Chakrasana
• Tadasana
• Dhanurasana

Following Asana also is known to be beneficial for the Prostate health.

• Paschimtanasana
• Yoga Mudra
• Viparit Karni Mudra
• Baddha Konasana

Baba Ramdev recommends Kapalbhati Kriya for Prostate health. (Video in Hindi)

In another study, it was found that exercise helps the prostate health. Exercise has also been shown to help treat various prostate-related conditions.

For more information, here is a book by Mayo Clinic: Mayo Clinic on Prostate Health

• In conclusion:

In order to keep this critical gland healthy, you should;

1. Keep a healthy lifestyle
2. Eat Nutritious Food
3. Increase intake of Fruits and Vegetables
4. Exercise & Practice Yogasana regularly
5. Get your PSA and urine test done regularly (every 6 months) after 40.
6. Meet your doctor if the test results are not in the expected range.

You never know which disease you are inviting with your unhealthy, sedentary, and irregular lifestyle.

You may like to read: 13 annual health screening tests once you turned 30