Prostate cancer is one of the most popular cancers in the male gender and is even a leading cause of cancer death in men. In fact, African men are more susceptible to this kind of cancer according to a study by the WHO.  The prostate itself is a walnut-sized gland in men that is part of the reproductive system. It sits low in the pelvis, below the bladder, in front of the rectum and the prostate surrounds the urethra and it enlarges as men advance in age. It produces seminal fluids, protects, nourishes and helps transport sperm. Once a medical-personnel detects a hard nodule in a rectal examination, it is possibly cancerous.

There are various other important signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, this may include:

Problems with passing urine:

Passing urine should be an easy thing but when it burns and causes pain, it becomes slow and has a weak stream or a person has to strain before urinating, it becomes a problem you should not overlook.

Frequent urination:

Peeing at close intervals especially at night is strange. It is a symptom of prostate cancer.

Loss of bladder control:

when a man cannot hold back urine for a while before being able to pass it out, there is a problem.

Blood in the urine:

When there is blood in a person’s urine, it is a cause for alarm and should not be ignored.

Erectile dysfunction:

When a person’s reproduction part begins to malfunction, there is a problem.

‍

Pains in the hips, chest and back when sitting:

This particular symptom is not so common like the ones above but yet, it should not be overlooked.

Who can get prostate cancer?

Anybody who has the male reproductive organ can get prostate cancer but some factors make some more susceptible to it than others. These factors are:

Age:

As a man advances in age, his chance of having prostate cancer also increases. 

Ethnicity is also a factor:

People from a certain race and tribe have high chances of having these cancerous cells grow. African men are twice as likely to suffer and even die from it than other races.

Family history:

In a family where one or two people have suffered from it or even other cancers like breast, ovarian, pancreatic or other kinds have high chances of being a victim.

Genes:

Men who inherit genetic mutations like the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes from parents and extended families are also more likely to suffer from prostate cancer.

Choice of occupation:

Recent studies have shown that some certain occupations put men at risk. Occupations like firefighting and jobs that expose you to unfriendly chemicals.

The signs and symptoms regarding the prostate should not be ignored or overlooked. As much as it is slow to spread, it should be treated with utmost care and urgency. To keep yourself in check, maintain a healthy diet and undergo regular screening to prevent it or notice it early before it spreads.