3. FACTS
Prostate cancer is the second most common type of
cancer found in man. After non-melanoma skin
cancer. It is one of the leading causes of cancer
deaths among men of all races and Hispanic origin
populations.
5. ANATOMICAL FUNCTIONS
Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland, a walnut-
sized gland in men located at the base of the bladder in
front of the rectum and surrounds the upper part of
the urethra. The prostate helps regulate bladder
control and produces the seminal fluid that nourishes
and transports sperm.
It is not yet known what specifically causes prostate
cancer. However, there are several factors that
increase the risk of prostate cancer.
6. FUNCTIONS
∗ 1. A Reproductive Organ
The primary job of the prostate gland is to produce and
secrete some of the alkaline seminal fluids during
ejaculation (about 30-35% of the semen ejaculate).
Being alkaline, the prostate fluid, which is milky
whitish in color, helps the sperm survive in the acidic
vaginal environment. The prostate is considered to be
a gland since glands secrete something.
7. FUNCTIONS
∗ 2. Mix Master of Reproductive Fluids
The prostate mixes its fluids with those from the seminal vesicles
to transport the sperm made in the testicles. Together these
fluids surge through the prostate into the urethra during
ejaculation. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a fluid produced in
the prostate, playing a key role in enabling the sperm to swim
into the uterus by keeping the semen in liquid form. It
counteracts the clotting enzyme in the seminal vesicle fluid,
which essentially glues the semen to the woman’s cervix. PSA
dissolves this glue with its own enzyme.
8. FUNCTIONS
∗ 3. A Small but Mighty Muscle
The prostate is also a muscle that pumps the
semen out through the penis with enough
force to enter into the vagina in the hope that
it will reach the egg. It essentially gives the
sperm the jumpstart it needs to potentially
cause impregnation.
9. FUNCTIONS
∗ 4. Pleasure
An evolutionary trait to promote the
procreation of the species, the pumping action
of the prostate muscle, is extremely
pleasurable. Through this experience of
pleasure, men’s bodies are biologically
encouraging them to release their semen.
10. FUNCTIONS
∗ 5. Male G-Spot
The prostate is the male G-spot. Prostate stimulation
can produce an exceptionally strong sexual response
and intense orgasm in men that are receptive to it.
The ability to control ejaculation at the prostate can
also lead to prolonged orgasms and “injaculations”
where no semen is expelled. This is done in advanced
Taoist and Tantric sexual practices to contain the
sexual energy internally.
11. FUNCTIONS
∗ 6. Filtration System
The prostate also acts as a filtration system, removing toxins
and thereby protecting the sperm. Healthy sperm means a
higher chance of impregnation, which is always the end goal
on an evolutionary level. Its filtration capability is arguably
the prostate gland’s most important function and, perhaps
can be one of the main reasons why there is a growing
epidemic of prostate disease and cancer. More than ever the
prostate gland is required to filter out the toxins found in
food and in the environment.
12. FUNCTIONS
∗ 7. Erectile function
The prostate erection nerves are responsible for
erections. These nerves trigger the penis to swell and
harden with extra blood flow into it, producing an
erection. If these nerves, which attach to the sides of the
prostate, get damaged then there is a significant chance
for erectile dysfunction That is why many medical
prostate procedures have an unwanted side effect of
erectile difficulties or impotence.
13. FUNCTIONS
∗ 8. Protective Secretions
Prostatic secretions also play a valuable role by
protecting the urethra from urinary tract
infections, which although rare in men, can
lead to potentially serious internal infections if
left unchecked
14. FUNCTIONS
∗ 9. Urine Control
The prostate, which surrounds the upper part of the urethra
tube just below the bladder (the prostatic urethra), controls the
flow of urine. It prevents urine from leaving the bladder, except
when released by urination. It also prevents urine from
damaging ejaculate during orgasm. It does this with two small
prostatic muscles called sphincters. They act as gatekeepers
with shut-off valves to control and regulate the dual-purpose
urethra tube. These gatekeepers ensure the right fluids flow at
the right time – urination or ejaculation.
15. FUNCTIONS
∗ 10. Hormone Regulation
A final prostate function is its ability to regulate male
hormones. It contains a crucial enzyme, 5-alpha-reductase.
This enzyme converts the hormone testosterone in the
body to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is at least ten
times more powerful than simple testosterone.
.
16. FUNCTIONS
This potent hormone DHT has several purposes including
male sex drive and function. Over time, a buildup of toxins
in the prostate may affect the production of this enzyme,
which is then responsible for the declining sex drive in men
as they age.With such a complex gland having so many
functions, prostate disease can wreak havoc on a man’s
health. Men would be wise to do all they can to enhance
the health of their prostate – an unhealthy prostate can
have an enormous impact on sexual function and simple
daily urination
18. RISK FACTORS
Family history:
Men are more likely to
get prostate cancer if
their father or brother
has been diagnosed with
it, as compared to people
who have no relatives
with this cancer.
22. RISK FACTORS
Poor diet:
As with most cancers, a poor
diet puts you at a higher risk of
prostate cancer. Excess dairy
products, a high-calcium diet,
intake of processed and red
meat, saturated fat, high alcohol
intake and high doses of vitamin
E supplements are linked to a
higher risk of prostate cancer.
23. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF
PROSTATE CANCER
∗ 1. Changes in Bladder Habits
Due to the proximity of the prostate gland in relation to
the bladder and urethra, prostate cancer leads to a
variety of urinary symptoms. Depending on the size and
location, a tumor may press on and constrict the
urethra, leading to changes in bladder habits.
Men can notice several changes including:
24. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF
PROSTATE CANCER
Difficulty urinating or trouble starting and stopping
while urinating
Burning sensation or pain during urination
More frequent need to urinate, especially at night
Loss of bladder control, which can cause urine leakage
Weak flow
A sense of incompletely emptying the bladder
25. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF
PROSTATE CANCER
∗ 2. Blood in the Urine
Noticing blood in the urine,
though most commonly caused
by a bladder infection, is
another possible indication of
advanced prostate cancer.
Unfortunately, you may not
have signs or symptoms in the
early stages.
26. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF
PROSTATE CANCER
∗ 3. Sexual Dysfunction
The prostate gland plays a key
role in the male reproductive
system. Hence, any kind of
problem in this gland can
cause sexual dysfunction.
Because sexual dysfunction is
a common problem associated
with increasing age, many
men ignore this symptom.
27. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF
PROSTATE CANCER
∗ 4. Frequent Pain
Men with cancer of the
prostate can experience dull,
deep pain in the hips, lower
back, pelvis or upper thighs.
For any ongoing pain, whether
mild or chronic, it should be
assessed by a doctor to rule
out serious health problems.
28. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF
PROSTATE CANCER
∗ 5. Weakness or Numbness in
Legs
Along with pain, you may
experience swelling in the legs and
pelvic area. Plus, there may be
numbness in the hips, legs and feet.
It may also cause stiffness in the
hips, thighs or back.Some men may
even experience loss of bladder.
29. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF
PROSTATE CANCER
∗ 6. Unexplained Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss is
often one of the first noticeable
signs of different types of
cancer, including prostate
cancer. Weight loss often
occurs with prostate cancer
when the cancer spreads to the
liver and impairs its functioning.
30. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS OF
PROSTATE CANCER
∗ 7. Fatigue
this type of cancer can cause a bone-
deep tiredness that never gets better,
no matter how much sleep and rest
you get. This tiredness is different
from the exhaustion you feel after a
hectic day. It can affect your energy
level, motivation and ability to
concentrate.
32. IMPORTANT NOTE
The American Cancer Society recommends that men
above 50 years of age with one or more risk factors for
prostate cancer get routine screenings. Prostate
cancer screenings make it possible to detect the cancer
in its early stages, before symptoms are present.
