Can women get prostate cancer? That’s a question that more and more people should be asking themselves. Prostate cancer is one of the top diseases that are the main cause of death for men over the age 50 each year but there is also a very small percentage of women who die of prostate cancer as well.The rates for prostate cancer in men are increasing, especially for men in their late 70’s and 80’s and there is still a debate among health practitioners and medical scientists about whether or not women can in fact have prostate cancer as well.
While most people will say that women do not have a prostate, therefore cannot have prostate cancer, the female paraurethralglands are considered the prostate’s equivalent and are sometimes called the female prostate by many today.Regardless of the name, prostate cancer is a disease that directly and indirectly affects both men and women in the world today.
Can Women Have Prostate Cancer?
Many people simply don’t know even the most basic fact about prostate cancer because many believe prostate cancer is a type of cancer that only affects men over the age 50, when in fact it also affects women, although it is very rare compared to all other cancer types.
While the overall risk of developing prostate cancer is far smaller for the female population, there are many women who are greatly affected by the disease, whether it’s the prostate cancer risk or dealing with the disease through a loved family member.
There are many researchers who are trying to learn more about prostate conditions for both men and women, prostate cancer screening tests, treatments, the overall health risk of prostate cancer and if this type for women can turn into metastatic cancer in the same way as it does for many men who are diagnosed with the disease.
Research to Eradicate the Prostate Cancer that Women Live With
There is a lot of medical research on the disease to show the causes, symptoms and tests used to locate a cancerous tumor that affects men and women diagnosed with prostate cancer. The main reason to study the question “how do women get prostate cancer?” is very important to see if there happens to be differences between the diagnosis, symptoms and treatments for men compared to women. By thoroughly researching any differences, medical research and development can proceed with more specialized forms of treatment for the best results.
Although there is still much debate whether women do in fact have a prostate and if they are able to get prostate cancer cells into their system, the ultimate goal of all prostate cancer organizations (like the cancer society) and programs is to find a cure for both men and women. It’s also important to cover all aspects of the various types of cancer and how they affect males and females differently. Just as prostate cancer varies according to a person’s age, overall health and previous medical conditions; there is also much to learn about a disease’s effect on different sexes, if any. The same concerns are applied to the wide range of treatment options that are available for each individual patient.
Prostate Cancer and Women’s Support Groups
Whether someone has a high cancer risk or a low one, everyone in the family of a cancer patient is greatly affected by this disease. While clinical trials and research for a variety of screen tests are continually being conducted to help find better treatments and even a cure for prostate cancer, there is also a great need of emotional help than many require as well.
There have been many studies conducted in several countries that have shown the mental and emotional strain that many women bear when a loved one like a husband is diagnosed with prostate cancer. Even when patients are in remission from prostate cancer, the women in the family continue to deal with stress and worries of relapse.
In order to help and support not just the people who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, but the women in the families who are heavily hit by the disease as well, there are many support groups that are available, as well as one on one therapy to help the women deal with their fears and ease the anxiety throughout the process.
To help men, women and the families of prostate cancer patients, each city and state will have a variety of prostate cancer support groups available. Each group tries to focus on a wide range of topics that are related to the problems and concerns that many families face when dealing with a loved one diagnosed with cancer.
Depending on the type of needs each family member may have, there are small and large groups of individuals that meet and express their feelings with one another, some groups are more therapeutic by using relaxation techniques and there are even groups for those who are uncomfortable meeting others, where they can release their frustrations or get advice over the phone or even online.
Find Prostate Cancer Support Groups in Person
In order to find the best support groups that will be able to help with physical, emotional and mental strain, consider looking for them from trusted sources.
Ask members from community or medical centers.
Most community and medical centers will have a list of well-known support groups or therapy sessions for those diagnosed with cancer and others that offer support and counseling for the families as well.
Ask your family doctor.
Your family doctor will surely know someone who provides counseling or therapy to those who are left dealing with a loved one’s diagnosis. The doctor’s staff would also be great sources to provide information of highly rated support groups in your locality.
Check local listings in medical newsletters or newspapers.
There are many monthly medical newsletters that are released to the public and there are also medical sections within national or local newspapers that will have listings for help as well as support groups. They are a good place to start and will list other options that may be more convenient for you and your family.
Find Prostate Cancer Support Groups Online
Just as it’s very important to find support groups in person from trusted sources, it’s perhaps even more important to find them over the phone or online. Unfortunately, there are many sites that mimic support groups but only try to collect information or try to sell products by preying on their weaknesses. To avoid such problems, consider searching for groups through one of the following:
- National or local medical helplines.
- Prominent sites like National Prostate Cancer Foundation.
- Well-known cancer forums online.
There are different ways to find support groups, both in person and online, but it’s very important to find reputable places that are well informed and trained to deal with the issues involved.
