Cancer Risk: Understanding the Puzzle

February 10th, 2009 by admin

Here is an informative quizz about the prostate cancer by the National Cancer Institute of America:

http://understandingrisk.cancer.gov/a_prostate/00.cfm

Do the quizz to reduce your prostate cancer risk

Posted in Cancer Risk | No Comments »

Prostate Cancer Overview, Anatomy, Incidence

February 9th, 2009 by admin

Adenocarcinoma of the prostate is the clinical term for a cancerous tumor on the prostate gland. As prostate cancer grows, it may spread to the interior of the gland, to tissues near the prostate, to sac-like structures attached to the prostate (seminal vesicles), and to distant parts of the body (e.g., bones, liver, lungs). Prostate cancer confined to the gland often is treated successfully.

Anatomy
The prostate gland is located in the pelvis, below the bladder, above the urethral sphincter and the penis, and in front of the rectum in men. It is made up of glandular tissue and muscle fibers that surround a portion of the urethra. The gland is covered by a membrane (called the prostate capsule) that produces prostate-specific antigen.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in General Information | No Comments »

The Prostate Cancer Charity

February 8th, 2009 by admin

The Prostate Cancer Charity logo

Prostate cancer was for so long a neglected health issue – neither understood by the public nor prioritised by politicians. By any dimension, prostate cancer simply didn’t register on the radar screen.

It was against this background that The Prostate Cancer Charity was set up in 1996. In its relatively short life, the Charity has played a key role in raising both public awareness of the disease and political debate about services and support… and there is now a real sense that for the cause of prostate cancer, the time has come.

We are the largest and most comprehensive of the charities focused specifically on prostate cancer. We aim to provide hope for tomorrow through the research that we fund – and practical support for today through our extensive – and growing – information services.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Prostate Help Organizations, UK Prostate Cancer | No Comments »

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

February 7th, 2009 by admin

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention logo

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the primary Federal agency for conducting and supporting public health activities in the United States.

CDC?s focus is not only on scientific excellence but also on the essential spirit that is CDC – to protect the health of all people. CDC keeps humanity at the forefront of its mission to ensure health protection through promotion, prevention, and preparedness.

Composed of the Office of the Director, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, and six Coordinating Centers/ Offices, including environmental health and injury prevention, health information services, health promotion, infectious diseases, global health and terrorism preparedness and emergency response, CDC employs more than 14,000 employees in 54 countries and in 170 occupations.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Prostate Help Organizations | No Comments »

The immune system

February 6th, 2009 by admin

The immune system is a complex network of cells and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by “foreign” or “non-self” invaders. This network is one of the body’s main defenses against infection and disease. The immune system works against diseases, including cancer, in a variety of ways.

For example, the immune system may recognize the difference between healthy cells and cancer cells in the body and works to eliminate cancerous cells. However, the immune system does not always recognize cancer cells as “foreign.” Also, cancer may develop when the immune system breaks down or does not function adequately. Biological therapies are designed to repair, stimulate, or enhance the immune system’s responses.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Cells and Organs | No Comments »

Bladder Cancer Definition

February 5th, 2009 by admin

Cancer that forms in tissues of the bladder (the organ that stores urine). Most bladder cancers are transitional cell carcinomas (cancer that begins in cells that normally make up the inner lining of the bladder). Other types include squamous cell carcinoma (cancer that begins in thin, flat cells) and adenocarcinoma (cancer that begins in cells that make and release mucus and other fluids). The cells that form squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma develop in the inner lining of the bladder as a result of chronic irritation and inflammation.

Estimated new cases and deaths from bladder cancer in the United States in 2008:

New cases: 68,810
Deaths: 14,100

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in General Information | No Comments »

Prostate Help Websites & Links

January 24th, 2009 by admin

CANADIAN SITES – NATIONAL

Canadian Prostate Cancer Research Initiative
CPCN was a founding member of this organization, dedicated to facilitating innovative research in the areas of prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation and palliation for people affected by prostate cancer.

Canadian Prostate Health Council
This is an excellent source for online pamphlets on prostate cancer and prostate health.

ProCure
ProCure is dedicated to giving information on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and eventual cure of prostate cancer. Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, it provides both French and English resources. Excellent web site.

Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada
This organization, committed to finding a cure for prostate cancer, provides information in both English and French.

The Prostate Centre at Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto
This Centre provides excellent online information about the prostate and prostate cancer.

The Prostate Centre at Vancouver General Hospital, British Columbia
The website offers information on prostate cancer treatment and research.

The Prostate Centre, Victoria, British Columbia
The efforts of prostate cancer survivors did much to make this facility happen.

CANADIAN SITES—PROVINCIAL

British Columbia Foundation for Prostate Disease
This organization’s goal is to improve knowledge, prevention, and treatment of prostate cancer.

Calgary Prostate Cancer Institute
The Institute provides current information about prostate disease, research findings and treatment options as well as diagnostic services, confidential counselling and support.

Early Prostate Diagnosis Ontario
EPCDO’s goals are to tell people about the value of early diagnosis of prostate cancer through the PSA blood test (combined with physical tests), and to convince OHIP to cover the cost of these tests when carried out in a doctor’s office or at a testing lab.

Vancouver Island Prostate Cancer Foundation
The site provides information for the recently diagnosed, including information about support and advocacy.

Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in General Information | No Comments »

The Canadian Prostate Cancer Network

January 24th, 2009 by admin

Canadian Prostate Cancer Network

The Canadian Prostate Cancer Network speaks for thousands of men and their families who, each year, are diagnosed with prostate cancer. With our 120 affiliated support groups across Canada we:

  • help individuals and their families understand and cope with prostate cancer by providing up to date medical information and individual support
  • lobby for increased funding for research, treatment facilities and programs
  • promote the importance of early detection through public awareness campaigns

    Posted in Prostate Help Organizations | No Comments »

    Prostate Definition

    January 24th, 2009 by admin

    The prostate is a gland about the size and shape of a walnut. The prostate gland is located in front of the rectum, just below the bladder and it surrounds the urethra. The urethra carries urine from the bladder out through the penis.

    Tucked between the rectum and the bladder, and attached to the prostate, are a pair of glands called the seminal vesicles. The seminal vesicles provide nutrients for the semen.

    To view a photograph of the prostate and seminal vesicles click here.

    Posted in General Information | No Comments »