British director Steve McQueen revealed this Thursday that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer weeks before starting production on his new film Blitz, two years ago. Currently, he has assured that He is fully recovered.
What exactly is prostate cancer?
As described by the prestigious Mayo Clinic (United States), the prostate is a small gland of the male reproductive system responsible for producing seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. Cancer that affects this organ is one of the most common in men.
Many times, grows slowly and is limited to the prostate gland, without causing serious damage. However, some types can become aggressive and spread quickly, so detection and treatment are vital.
The problem is that, in the early stages, prostate cancer could not cause any kind of sign or symptom. Therefore, it is important that men who meet risk factors or from certain ages undergo screening tests with some regularity.
The warning symptoms
Thus, the appearance of symptoms tends to indicate that the tumor is already more advanced. Some of the signs we should pay attention to include:
- Problems urinating.
- Decrease in the strength of urine.
- Blood in the urine.
- Blood in semen.
- Bone pain.
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Erectile dysfunction.
Several of these symptoms, especially on their own, They can be caused by other conditions. For example, they could be the result of benign prostatic hyperplasia, an abnormal enlargement of the prostate that occurs without a tumor causing it. Be that as it may, when they appear we should in any case consult with a specialist.
Risk factors and the importance of reviews
Prostate cancer, like the others, It begins with damage to the DNA of one or more cells which causes uncontrolled division and multiplication of them. Over time, these cells can break off and spread to other places in the body.
Some of the factors that increase the risk of prostate cancer include advanced age (it is more common, especially after 50 years of age), ethnicity, family history or obesity.
On the contrary, the risk can be reduced by following a series of healthy habitssuch as following a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising frequently, taking measures to maintain a healthy weight, and, in very high-risk cases, with the help of certain drugs.
Ultimately, all men over the age of 50 should talk to their doctor to consider periodic prostate checks. Those with more risk factors may need to take extra precautions.
References
Mayo Clinic. Prostate cancer. Consulted online at https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087 on October 22, 2024.
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