Do Females Get Prostate Cancer

Things All Women Should Know About Prostate Cancer

Sure, it’s not a “woman’s” disease, but chances are it will affect a man close to you at some point. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men, affecting 1 in 7 during their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society. While 60% of cases occur in guys over age 65, it sometimes strikes younger. Here, 4 things every woman should know to protect her loved ones, including husbands, fathers, and brothers.

How Is Prostate Cancer Treated

Your treatment will depend on what kind of cancer cells you have, how far they have spread, your age and general health, and your preferences.

You and your doctor may decide to manage your cancer with active surveillance or to treat it with surgery or radiation.

If you are over age 80 or have other serious health problems, like heart disease, you may choose not to have treatments to cure your cancer. Instead, you can just have treatments to manage your symptoms. This is called watchful waiting.

Choosing treatment for prostate cancer can be confusing. Talk with your doctor to choose the treatment thatâs best for you.

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Prostate Cancer What Is It

To get checked for prostate cancer please consult with your GP.

The human body is made up of billions of tiny building blocks called cells. Sometimes, cells reproduce in an uncontrolled way and grow into a lump, or tumour. There are two kinds of tumours: noncancerous and cancerous . Benign tumours do not spread to other parts of the body and are not life threatening .

Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in the prostate. These cells have the potential to continue to multiply, and possibly spread beyond the prostate. Doctors do not know what causes prostate cancer. What they do know however, is that the growth of cancer cells in the prostate is stimulated by male hormones, especially testosterone. Most prostate cancer growth is influenced by testosterone but the speed at which prostate cancer grows varies from man to man. In some men the cancer grows very slowly , in others growth is more rapid .

Men are more likely to develop prostate cancer as they get older. It is also more common in men who have a father or brother with prostate cancer, and in families who carry certain genes such as the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

Anyone with a prostate can get prostate cancer including transgender women, male-assigned non-binary people or intersex people.

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What Is The Actual Purpose Of Prostate In Female Body

Many experts believe that prostate in female body use to release some kind of fluid. This fluid appears thick, scanty and has whitish color while containing PSA. Note that, female ejaculation is actually not a part of orgasm and frequency of this has be estimated somewhere around 10 to 54 percent.

During few recent years, medical professionals have taken help from MRIs to detect the presence as well as functionality of female prostate. However, the research should be continued ahead to make ideas more clear but the basic understanding have obtained a boost with this initiative. You might be aware of the fact that prostate gland in males use to store infections inside body. Several studies around the world reveal that Skenes glands also serve the similar kind of function.

Now, it is already clear that skenes glands use to release some fluid during sexual activity and it use to be of watery in appearance. As per one detailed study published in 2007, this fluid that is excreted into the tract from Skene s Duct use to be consistent with the prostate fluid but it is not observed to have consistency with urine.

What Are The Benefits Of Regular Checks

Most prostate problems are not cancer. But if cancer does exist, it usually responds well and can be cured if contained within the prostate gland. Thats why it is important that you both become more aware of the health of his prostate and consider regular check-ups particularly:

• If he is over the age of 50
• If prostate cancer or breast cancer is in his immediate family
• If he is black

Today, prostate cancer is easier to detect and treat, but the earlier your man comes forward the better. So help him to take charge of his health and book an appointment with his GP.

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Whats The Risk For Trans Women And Nonbinary People

Researchers donât know the exact risk of trans women getting prostate cancer, but they do know that itâs lower than that of cisgender males. The risk does exist, however.

The risk of prostate cancer in trans women and nonbinary people assigned male at birth increases after age 50, just like it does in cisgender men. If youâre a trans woman over 50, discuss the risk of prostate cancer with your doctor even if you donât have symptoms.

Trans women and nonbinary people who are Black and those with a family history of prostate cancer may also be at increased risk, although thereâs no clear evidence. If youâre Black or have a family history of prostate cancer, screening should begin earlier.

Common Symptoms Associated With Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer might not cause any symptoms, especially when its in the early stages. Some signs and symptoms are similar to other diseases and ailments, so you must speak with a doctor to determine your diagnosis.

Prostate cancer symptoms in advanced stages include:

• Blood in the semen or urine

• Pain in the back, chest, hips, or other parts of the body where it spread to the bones

• Difficulty urinating, including the urge to urinate more frequently or a weak or slow urinary stream

• Numbness or weakness in the feet or legs

• Loss of bowel or bladder control if the cancer is pressing against the spinal cord

If you notice any of the symptoms above, you should immediately make an appointment with a medical provider. Most of these symptoms can be the result of another ailment. For instance, non-cancerous growth of the prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia , can cause trouble urinating. You might have a less serious condition thats causing your symptoms however, you should see a specialist so they can perform tests and screen for prostate cancer.

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Do Women Have A Prostate Gland

Women do have whats called a female prostate.They used to be referred to as the Skene glands, but have taken on this new name because they produce the same hormones as the male prostate does.

They also have reproductive functions, just like the male prostate does. So its not crazy to think that women have a prostate!

You Can Take Action Now To Reduce Your Risk Of Prostate Cancer Later On

You cant control your genes or what the future may hold. But you can take steps to reduce your risk of prostate cancer through lifestyle choices. For starters:

• Maintain a healthy diet. A diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats can contribute to your overall health.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise not only improves your physical health, but also your mood and mental health. Plus, there is some evidence that men who exercise are at a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
• Try to maintain a healthy weight. Obesity is a risk factor for prostate cancer.
• Talk proactively with your doctor about your risk for prostate cancer. If youre over 40 and havent discussed your risk level with your doctor or urologist, I suggest you make an appointment. Depending on your risk factors, you and your doctor can work together to create an action plan that works best for you, which may include a prostate cancer screening.

Also, if youve been experiencing any unusual urinary or erectile symptoms, dont ignore them. Make a primary care appointment, for starters.

Your doctor will talk with you about your symptoms, answer your questions and recommend treatment next steps if needed. They may also recommend you see a urologist like me. Urologists are experts in urinary and male reproductive health, including prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment.

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Deaths From Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. About 1 man in 41 will die of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer can be a serious disease, but most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it. In fact, more than 3.1 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today.

Our team is made up of doctors and oncology certified nurses with deep knowledge of cancer care as well as journalists, editors, and translators with extensive experience in medical writing.

American Cancer Society. Facts & Figures 2021. American Cancer Society. Atlanta, Ga. 2021.

National Cancer Institute. SEER Cancer Stat Facts: Prostate Cancer. Accessed at https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/prost.html on March 15, 2019.

Noone AM, Howlader N, Krapcho M, Miller D, Brest A, Yu M, Ruhl J, Tatalovich Z, Mariotto A, Lewis DR, Chen HS, Feuer EJ, Cronin KA . SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2015, National Cancer Institute. Bethesda, MD, https://seer.cancer.gov/csr/1975_2015/, based on November 2017 SEER data submission, posted to the SEER web site, April 2018.

American Cancer Society. Facts & Figures 2021. American Cancer Society. Atlanta, Ga. 2021.

National Cancer Institute. SEER Cancer Stat Facts: Prostate Cancer. Accessed at https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/prost.html on March 15, 2019.

Last Revised: January 12, 2021

Cancer Lethality Set Early

The study looked for changes in cancer aggressiveness in men diagnosed with prostate cancer from 1982 to 2004. All of the men had their prostates removed after diagnosis, and biopsy samples were taken from the glands. The Harvard team reexamined the samples and graded them using a tool called the Gleason score, which assigns a number from 2 to 10 based on how abnormal the cells look under a microscope. High-scoring or high-grade cancers tend to be the most lethal.

Over the study period, fewer and fewer men were diagnosed with advanced, late-stage prostate cancers that had spread beyond the prostate gland. This reflected the growing use of prostate-specific antigen testing to diagnose prostate cancers earlier and earlier. In contrast, the proportion of high-grade cancers, as measured by the Gleason score, remained relatively stable rather than gradually becoming more aggressive. Previous studies have seen a similar pattern.

Its a very interesting study that confirms what previous studies have found, says Dr. Marc B. Garnick, a prostate cancer specialist at Harvard-affiliated Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center who was not involved in the study. There may be rare exceptions, but in the vast majority the cancer is born with a particular Gleason score.

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Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented

You may be able to prevent prostate cancer by practicing a series of healthy lifestyle behaviors that reduce your risk of developing this condition. For example, a high-fat diet is a known risk factor for prostate cancer, therefore, consuming less fat may help you avoid prostate cancer.

There is not a fool proof method to prevent prostate cancer. Keeping any chronic illness you might have such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, high salt diet, or high sugar diet under control. Maintain a healthy exercise program. Make sure to do a self-exam and include scrotum and pelvic lymph node exam. You should report any abnormal findings, says Maslow.

Heres how to prevent prostate cancer using healthy lifestyle behaviors:

• Maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight or obese can increase your risk for prostate cancer.
• Eat healthy, whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fish, as foods such as these are loaded with vitamins and other nutrients that help you maintain good overall health.
• Exercise regularly, as exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, regulate hormones, and prevent obesity.

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Prostate Cancer Is A Womens Problem

Prostate Cancer is a Womens Problem?

The American Cancer Society states that after skin cancer, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men. One out of every six men in America is at risk of developing prostate cancer by the age 50 or younger.

While these statistics are overwhelming for men, is prostate cancer also a problem for women and what do they need to know about the disease?

Do women have a prostate gland?

Women dont have a prostate gland. However, there is a small gland or group of glands on the front side of the vagina called Skenes glands or Skenes ducts, whose structure and functions are very much similar to the prostate gland in males.

Cancer of the Skenes glands is rare. According to a decade-old study, the incidence rate of Skenes glands cancer in females is very low, i.e, it only accounts for 0.003 percent of all cancers in women. A possible symptom is long-term bleeding out of your urethra. Please contact a local oncologist immediately if you think you may have cancer.

Is prostate cancer not a womens problem, then?

Given the prevalance of prostate cancer amongt men, it is probable that at some stage in her life a womans partner, father, brother or other close person in her life will be affected by the disease. It is therefore important for everyone to be educated about prostate cancer.

If you want to read more about prostate cancer, PSA levels and diagnostic and treatment options, here are some articles that could be useful:

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He Can Take Steps To Reduce The Risk

Some research suggests that eating a low-fat diet, especially a diet low in animal fat, can help reduce the chances of developing prostate cancer. Cutting back on dairy might be beneficial, too. Another Harvard study found that men who ate the most milk, cheese, and yogurt each day had the highest risk. Scaling back on the booze may also be helpful: One Canadian study found that just two drinks a day could increase a mans risk by 23%.

In case you were wondering, having lots of sex doesnt make a man any more likely to develop prostate cancerdespite long-standing rumors to the contrary. Ditto for getting a vasectomy: A study published last September found no link between getting snipped and a mans risk of this disease.

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Quantitative And Qualitative Data Synthesis

The synthesis of quantitative data will be done through a narrative synthesis . This is because the review has no interventional arm and is aimed at investigating the awareness of women about prostate cancer. Hence, a narrative synthesis would be performed on findings that would be extracted from included studies. It is imperative to note that random or fixed effects would not be employed in data synthesis. Also, subgroup or meta-regression analysis would not be performed.

The findings from the pool of qualitative data will undergo meta-synthesis through findings assembly and categorization based on shared meanings . These categorized findings will undergo further analysis in an attempt to generate a wealth of evidence that will be easy to comprehend and will also be a true reflection of the awareness of women on prostate cancer concerning the underpinned review objectives .

In the event of the inability to perform a textual pooling, a narrative will be generated . The synthesis by narrative will be performed according to the following approach the findings obtained from the selected studies will undergo preliminary synthesis, the compiled data will be explored for linkages and the synthesizing process will be assessed for robustness .

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Should I Get Prostate Cancer Screening

You may have wondered why there is no nationwide prostate cancer screening program in Australia . Thats because experts do not recommend routine prostate cancer screening if youre aged between 50 and 69, healthy, and dont have a family history of prostate cancer.

There are several reasons for this:

• A high PSA level can be a result of something other than cancer.
• Experts dont fully agree on what is a normal or abnormal PSA level.
• Most men with a slightly raised PSA level have a biopsy that confirms no cancer.
• Many prostate cancers are low risk, slow growing, and are unlikely to cause harm if left untreated.
• Testing and treating low risk, slow growing cancers may cause more harm than good.

You should speak to your doctor if you have a family history or ongoing symptoms of prostate cancer, such as difficulty passing urine. Your doctor can help you make an informed decision about whether prostate cancer screening is suitable for you.

What Exactly Is The Prostate

The prostate is a walnut-size gland located between the bladder and the penis. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis. When it becomes enlarged, a common condition with age, the urethra is squeezed and urinary problems can result. The prostate plays an important role in reproduction, being responsible for much of the seminal fluid produced by a man.

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What Are The Stages Of Prostate Cancer

Your healthcare provider uses the Gleason score and Grade Groups to stage prostate cancer based on its projected aggressiveness. To get this information, the pathologist:

• Assigns a grade to each type of cell in your sample. Cells are graded on a scale of three to five . Samples that test in the one to two range are considered normal tissue.
• Adds together the two most common grades to get your Gleason score .
• Uses the Gleason score to place you into a Grade Group ranging from one to five. A Gleason score of six puts you in Grade Group 1 . A score of nine or higher puts you in Grade Group five . Samples with a higher portion of more aggressive cells receive a higher Grade Group.

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