Prostate Problems

The prostate is a male gland. Located under the bladder, it surrounds the urethra that conducts the bladder content outside the body. Some diseases can affect the prostate; these include benign prostatic enlargement and prostate cancer.

Benign Prostatic Enlargement

This is characterized by an increase in the size of the gland. In some cases, the enlarged prostate can squeeze the urethra and make urination more difficult. More than 50% of men over the age of 50 are affected.

Symptoms of BPE

The symptoms of BPE are not the same in all men. Among the known symptoms are:

• Difficulty urinating;
• A change in urinary frequency;
• A change in urine quantity;
• An urgent need to urinate;
• Feeling that the bladder is never fully emptied;
• Pain when urinating;
•  

These symptoms can often occur alone or in combination. They may be light or severe and may require treatment.

Predisposition factors for BPE

There are a few risk factors that come into play:

• Age: the older men are, the more risks they incur;
• Family history;
• Obesity.

Treatment for BPE

Various treatments are available and may alleviate the unpleasant or bothersome symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Your physician will discuss with you the best options, prescription medications, natural products or surgery, depending on your condition.

Caution! Certain medications sold over the counter can worsen your symptoms, mainly those used to ease cold and flu symptoms. Be sure to consult your pharmacist before purchasing over-the-counter medications.

In Quebec pharmacies, a program called “Medication Code” indicates precautions to take when buying over-the-counter drugs. BPE sufferers must avoid products that are coded B. Ask your pharmacist for more information about Medication Code.

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Its origins or causes are not known, but it has been noticed that the risk of developing this cancer is higher in black men and increases with age. In addition, it is more frequent in men with a family history of prostate cancer. It is also believed that North American men and men who consume a fat-rich diet are more at risk of developing prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

The treatment for prostate cancer is established on the basis of several parameters: the patient’s age, his general state of health and the speed at which the disease progresses. As most prostate cancers develop slowly, it is possible that the physician will not prescribe any specific treatment in cases where medication or surgery would produce more disadvantages than advantages. However, the physician will then monitor the evolution of the disease more closely.

In the case of younger men presenting a cancer confined to the prostate, the physician will consider surgery, cryotherapy (treatment by cold) or radiotherapy. If the cancer is spreading, the options are hormonal therapy and chemotherapy.

Preventing prostate cancer

Early detection of nodules or suspect masses in the prostate is the basis for prostate cancer prevention. Starting at 50 years of age, every man should have a routine prostatic exam as part of his annual check-up. Your physician will determine whether this exam is appropriate.

An antioxidant-rich diet is recommended. Licopene, which is found in tomatoes, is a powerful antioxidant that may play a role in cancer prevention.

If you have any questions about these conditions or about the treatments available, your pharmacist will be able to answer them for you. Do not hesitate to consult a health care professional if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above.

The prostate is a male gland. Located under the bladder, it surrounds the urethra that conducts the bladder content outside the body. Some diseases can affect the prostate; these include benign prostatic enlargement and prostate cancer.

This is characterized by an increase in the size of the gland. In some cases, the enlarged prostate can squeeze the urethra and make urination more difficult. More than 50% of men over the age of 50 are affected.

The symptoms of BPE are not the same in all men. Among the known symptoms are:

• Difficulty urinating;
• A change in urinary frequency;
• A change in urine quantity;
• An urgent need to urinate;
• Feeling that the bladder is never fully emptied;
• Pain when urinating;
•  

These symptoms can often occur alone or in combination. They may be light or severe and may require treatment.

There are a few risk factors that come into play:

• Age: the older men are, the more risks they incur;
• Family history;
• Obesity.

Various treatments are available and may alleviate the unpleasant or bothersome symptoms of an enlarged prostate. Your physician will discuss with you the best options, prescription medications, natural products or surgery, depending on your condition.

Caution! Certain medications sold over the counter can worsen your symptoms, mainly those used to ease cold and flu symptoms. Be sure to consult your pharmacist before purchasing over-the-counter medications.

In Quebec pharmacies, a program called “Medication Code” indicates precautions to take when buying over-the-counter drugs. BPE sufferers must avoid products that are coded B. Ask your pharmacist for more information about Medication Code.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Its origins or causes are not known, but it has been noticed that the risk of developing this cancer is higher in black men and increases with age. In addition, it is more frequent in men with a family history of prostate cancer. It is also believed that North American men and men who consume a fat-rich diet are more at risk of developing prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

The treatment for prostate cancer is established on the basis of several parameters: the patient’s age, his general state of health and the speed at which the disease progresses. As most prostate cancers develop slowly, it is possible that the physician will not prescribe any specific treatment in cases where medication or surgery would produce more disadvantages than advantages. However, the physician will then monitor the evolution of the disease more closely.

In the case of younger men presenting a cancer confined to the prostate, the physician will consider surgery, cryotherapy (treatment by cold) or radiotherapy. If the cancer is spreading, the options are hormonal therapy and chemotherapy.

Early detection of nodules or suspect masses in the prostate is the basis for prostate cancer prevention. Starting at 50 years of age, every man should have a routine prostatic exam as part of his annual check-up. Your physician will determine whether this exam is appropriate.

An antioxidant-rich diet is recommended. Licopene, which is found in tomatoes, is a powerful antioxidant that may play a role in cancer prevention.

If you have any questions about these conditions or about the treatments available, your pharmacist will be able to answer them for you. Do not hesitate to consult a health care professional if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above.