Prostate cancer occurs among men who are usually aged 50 and above, and is considered as one of the most dangerous diseases that affect men today. Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland, which is located near the urethra, beneath the penis and below the urinary bladder. This condition is a serious matter because it affects the prostate, which is an important part of the male reproductive system.
Causes of Prostate Cancer
To this day, the causes of prostate cancer remain a mystery, but there are some theories as to the factors that can lead to it. Age is one of the major factors, since prostate cancer often strike men over the age of 50, although younger men may also be at risk. If there are other members of the family who suffer from prostate cancer, it is most likely that you would develop it yourself, so it is only wise to be aware of your family medical history.
Possible Treatments
Although the perfect cure for prostate cancer remains under research, there stands one form of treatment that has been found helpful for this condition. This is hormone therapy for prostate cancer, also known as androgen deprivation therapy.
Hormone therapy for prostate cancer aims to decrease the level of androgen, or the male hormone, in a man's body. The two major androgens, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are both produced inside the testicles and are responsible for encouraging the growth of cancer cells. With hormone therapy for prostate cancer, the cancer cells are not immediately removed, but rather, the factor that causes them to multiply, which are the male androgens, are reduced.
Hormone therapy for prostate cancer is often advised for patients who can not take surgery or undergo radiation treatments, as well as for those whose prostate cancer has recurred or remained. It is also used to supplement other forms of treatment for cancer, which can help in preventing recurrence.
