Prostate cancer is a disease of the prostate gland, a walnut-shaped gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate produces most of what makes up semen, a thick fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
The most common cancer in American men, prostate cancer is a slow-growing disease. Although it is rare before age 50, medical experts believe most elderly men have some traces of the cancer. African-American men seem to have the highest frequency rate, and the cancer is rare in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
Men with prostate cancer often die of other causes, never aware that they had the disease. This is because the slow-growing tumor often shows no symptoms until advance stages of the disease. Prostate cancer is usually fatal if the cancer spreads beyond the prostate gland.
While the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, experts agree that diet contributes to its development. The cancer is linked to the consumption of large amounts of fat, particularly from red meat and other animal sources. Dairy products may also play a role.
Since fats stimulate the production of testosterone, the link between prostate cancer and diet is likely hormonal. Smoking and physical inactivity are additional risk factors for the disease.
The management and treatment of prostate cancer involves three options, particularly for early-state and low-risk cancer: surgery, radiation therapy, and watchful waiting. Hormone therapy and chemotherapy are additional options for older men and those with advanced or recurring cancer.
Surgery involves removing the prostate gland, as well as some lymph nodes and surrounding tissue. Surgery may entail abdominal incisions, perinea surgery, laparoscopic prostatectomy, or robotic prostatectomy . Specialists in Urology, a Florida urology practice, pioneered the da Vinci robotic prostatectomy procedure to treat prostate cancer and other urological conditions.

December 30th, 2011
Mark 
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