What is prostate cancer?
Cells in the prostate gland mutate as the DNA is damaged. These mutated cells multiply uncontrollably and can spread to other areas of the body such as bones and lymph nodes. As seen in the picture below the prostate is a small gland, about the size of a walnut. It is part of the male reproductive system and located beneath the bladder and above the penis. The urethra is the passage for urine and semen to pass through, which tracks through the prostate gland.
Why do men need a prostate gland?
It is not vital for life however the prostate produces a fluid called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) which helps feed and protect sperm. The PSA forms 30 percent of the total fluid ejaculated. The prostate also squeezes fluid into the urethra, and it is expelled with sperm as part of semen.
The statistics of prostate cancer:
- More men die of prostate cancer than women die of breast cancer
- 18,000 new cases in Australia every year with 3,500 dying from prostate cancer
- Prostate cancer is the most diagnosed cancer in men
- 9 men will die from prostate cancer today
- 54 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer today
To get involved visit https://www.thelongrun.org.au/about-us
References
- MCI 2020
- Prostate.org
- Cancer.org
By Michelle Brown, Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
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