16 Surprising Cancer Symptoms Everyone Should Know
Former Football Star OJ Simpson Dies Of Prostate Cancer At 76: 5 Important Things To Know About The Disease
OJ Simpson, an ex-NFL star who was acquitted of double murder in 1995, has died of prostate cancer at 76.
In May 2023, the former American footballer took to X (previously known as Twitter) to reveal his diagnosis of cancer and that he was undergoing chemotherapy for the same. However, it was only in February this year that the nature of his cancer was revealed, which was prostate cancer.
On Thursday, Simpson's family announced his death on X, stating: "On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his children and grandchildren. During this time of transition, his family asks that you please respect their wishes for privacy and grace."
Prostate cancer, which occurs due to the abnormal growth of cells in the prostate, is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths, according to the American Cancer Society. Worldwide, there were about 10.41 lakh new cases of prostate cancer in 2020, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Read on to learn all about the disease.
Also Read: Signs Your Prostate Is Healthy: What Men Need To Know
Common And Uncommon Prostate Cancer SymptomsIn an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Sandeep Prasad, Consultant-Urology, Fortis Anandapur, Kolkata, suggests that prostate cancer may not cause any noticeable symptoms during the early stages. However, when they do, here are some of the most common symptoms to watch out for:
According to StatPearls Publishing, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed male malignancy and the fifth leading cause of cancer death in men.
The ACS suggests that prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 40, whereas those aged 50 and above could be at a greater risk of developing the disease. In fact, about six in ten prostate cancers are found in men older than 65, the health body notes.
Additionally, belonging to a certain race or ethnicity may increase a person's risk of developing the condition. Research suggests prostate cancer is more prevalent in African American men and in Caribbean men of African ancestry.
Moreover, a family history of prostate cancer, an unhealthy diet, obesity, smoking, and previous problems associated with the prostate can also increase a person's risk of prostate cancer.
Also Read: PSA Test For Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: Things Men Need To Know About It
What Is Advanced Prostate Cancer?Advanced, or metastatic, prostate cancer refers to cancer that has spread from the prostate to other parts of the body.
According to Cancer Research UK, it most commonly spreads to lymph nodes in other parts of the body or to the bones. In certain cases, it may also spread to other organs, such as the lungs.
On Diagnosing Prostate CancerSome of the most common screening methods to detect prostate cancer include:
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)This procedure involves a doctor inserting a lubricated finger into the rectum to examine the prostate gland for abnormalities.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) testA PSA test is a blood test that measures the level of a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer; however, they can also result from other conditions, such as an enlarged prostate or inflammation.
BiopsyIn the event that an abnormality is detected during a DRE or PSA test, a biopsy may be performed to check for the presence of cancer. A biopsy is a medical procedure in which a medical expert removes a piece of tissue or a sample of cells from the body to test for cancer.
Other diagnosis tests include Computed Tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or bone scan, which can help determine the extent of cancer.
Not All Prostate Issues Are A Sign Of CancerIt is important to note that not all problems associated with the prostate are a sign of prostate cancer. In fact, even an elevated PSA level does not necessarily mean cancer.
Here are some other common prostate conditions that can be confused with cancer:
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Benign suggests that the condition is non-cancerous and non-life-threatening. BPH usually involves enlargement of the prostate gland, which can cause problems with urination. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), it is not linked to cancer and does not increase your risk of getting prostate cancer.
Prostatitis: Prostatitis is the inflammation of the prostate gland that can be caused by a bacterial infection. The NCI suggests that the condition affects at least half of all men at some point in their lives, leading to symptoms such as pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, difficulty urinating, and sometimes fever.
Image credit: X
[Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you notice any symptoms for necessary treatment.]
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4 Warning Signs That Prostate Cancer 'may Have Spread' As Cases Set To Double Globally
In the largest study of its kind, researchers have warned cases of prostate cancer around the world will jump from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million in 2040 - here are all the warning signs you should be aware of
Prostate cancer in the most common cancer in males - and kills more than 12,000 people each year in the UK (Stock photo)(Getty Images)
Cases of prostate cancer around the world are forecasted to experience a staggering surge, according to an alarming new study.
Prostate cancer is already the most common form of cancer in males in over 100 countries and takes the lives of 12,039 people each year in the UK alone. But in the largest study of its kind, researchers say diagnoses are only going to spiral - jumping from 1.4 million a year in 2020 to 2.9 million in 2040.
That means 330 men will be told they have the life-threatening disease every single hour - and 700,000 deaths will occur. Scientists warn this number may be much higher, but low-income countries may struggle to make proper diagnoses. Therefore, knowing the warning signs is imperative in increasing the effectiveness of treatments and mortality rates. However, the symptoms of prostate cancer can be easily missed and may differ depending on whether the disease has spread.
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According to the NHS, prostate cancer doesn't usually cause any noticeable symptoms until the disease has 'grown large enough to put pressure on the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis'. This includes:
If you're dealing with these symptoms, it's important to contact your GP straight away. However, do not worry, as many of the mentioned side effects could point to a non-cancerous condition named benign prostate enlargement or other less-serious health issues.
When it comes to cancer having spread to other parts of the body, the NHS urges men to look out for bone and back pain, a loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss as well as a pain in the testicles. Again, if you're experiencing any of these warning signs, book an appointment with your doctor. There isn't a single test to check whether you have prostate cancer, but doctors may suggest blood tests, a physical examination, an MRI scan, or a biopsy.
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What causes prostate cancer?Leading charity Cancer Research UK says prostate cancer is not 'clearly linked to any preventable causes' but points out the disease is most common in men aged 75-79. Prostate cancer also disproportionately affects Black men, as well as those with a close relative who's received a diagnosis.
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Being overweight or obese can increase your risk of metastatic or advanced prostate cancer. This is where cancer that began in the prostate has now spread to another part of the body. The reality is all men are at risk of prostate cancer - but you can check your risk in three quick questions here.
If you or a loved one is struggling with cancer, you get help and support here.
Do you have a story to share? Email us at yourmirror@mirror.Co.Uk
Prostate Cancer Isn't Always Deadly — But Here's When It Can Be
On Thursday, O.J. Simpson, 76, lost his battle with cancer. Although the former football star became infamous for the murder trial he faced in the 1990s, in recent years, he had been photographed looking frail or walking with a cane.
In February, it was reported that Simpson had prostate cancer although his family has not confirmed it.
Prostate cancer is the second most common form of male cancer after skin cancer. Typically, the disease doesn't kill people — in part because it typically grows slowly, the cancer is often low-grade and many treatment options are available, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). But in some cases, it can be deadly.
Here's what to know about this type of cancer.
It has been widely reported that O.J. Simpson had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. X / @TheRealOJ32 Is prostate cancer curable?When the cancer is localized to the prostate, often, it is curable, reports the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The ACS estimates that nearly 300,000 men will be diagnosed with this type of cancer in the year 2024 — but only around 35,250 will die from the disease. Put another way, the five-year survival rate of prostate cancer, when it is detected early, is over 99% according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation.
Between 1993 and 2013, the death rate for prostate cancer was cut in half, thought to be due to advances in screening and better treatments, according to the ACS. But in recent years, that number has stabilized, suggesting that more cancers are being caught in late stages.
Still, an estimated 3.3 million men who had prostate cancer at some point in their lives are still living today.
Treatment for prostate cancer includes a number of options, depending on the specific diagnosis. Patients may undergo surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation or targeted drug therapy. For many people, one of these treatments will work. An estimated 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, but only 1 in 39 (or 2.6%) men will die from it, according to the NIH.
Typically, prostate cancer does not kill men, although it can be deadly in some cases. The five-year survival rate for the disease is over 99%. Auremar – stock.Adobe.Com Signs prostate cancer is deadlyAs with most types of cancer, certain groups are more at risk for getting prostate cancer. The average age of diagnosis is 67, and prostate cancer is considered rare in men who are under 40. African American men and Caribbean men of African ancestry are also more at risk for the disease.
Other risk factors for the disease include obesity, family history of cancer, plus factors like high blood pressure, lack of exercise and being taller than average, according to the NIH.
If prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body (if it metastasizes), it can become deadly. When it spreads, prostate cancer commonly moves to the bones, lungs, lymph nodes, liver or brain. It's not known whether Simpson's cancer had metastasized.
When prostate cancer metastasizes, or spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, bones or brain, it can become deadly. Peakstock – stock.Adobe.ComAccording to a study from 2021, though, about 1 in 6 deaths of people living with prostate cancer didn't die from the cancer itself. Those living with cancer can be more susceptible to other health issues, or may already have another health issue, like cardiovascular disease. Other common causes of death in people with prostate cancer include COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), and things like stroke or aneurysm.
In the US, African American men are twice as likely to die of prostate cancer compared to other groups, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, the CDC notes, that stat may have more to do with health inequities — a study from 2020 suggested that if health care access were equal, the mortality rate might actually be slightly lower for African American men.
The NIH also notes that diets high in saturated fat and milk products may contribute to causing the cancer, and may increase the risk of recurrence once diagnosed.
Currently, there is no standard test to screen for prostate cancer. A doctor may draw blood for a prostate specific antigen test (PSA), or may perform a rectal exam, but both of these types of screenings require follow-ups before a diagnosis will be made. In 2018, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended that men who are 55 to 69 should make an individual decision about whether they should be screened based on a discussion with their doctors. Men over the age of 70 should not be routinely screened.
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