10 Commonly Asked Prostate Cancer Questions

10 Commonly Asked Prostate Cancer Questions
By Donald Saunders

For the millions of men who encounter prostate problems each year and, in particular those who are diagnosed with prostate cancer, we have picked out ten of the most frequently asked questions about the prostate and prostate cancer.

Question 1. What is the prostate gland?

The prostate gland, which when healthy is about the size of a walnut, lies between the rectum and the bladder and forms part of the male reproductive system, making and storing a fluid contained within semen. The prostate gland partially surrounds the urethra and, when it becomes enlarged, it can slow or even stop the flow of urine.

Question 2. What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the second commonest form of cancer in the United States today. In 2006 approximately 235,000 men in the US were diagnosed with prostate cancer and some 27,000 men died of the disease. In most cases prostate cancer appears relatively late in life and is slow growing and, for this reason, many men with prostate cancer die from other unrelated causes.

Question 3. Who is at risk of contracting prostate cancer?

The simple answer is that all men are at risk of contracting prostate cancer. This said, prostate cancer is age related and so it is more likely to appear the older you get. In addition, prostate cancer is more likely to appear in men with a family history of the disease and in black men. There are also quite marked differences seen between countries with the United States having the highest incidence and Japan the lowest. While these differences are not entirely understood it is believed that diet may play an important role.

Question 4. What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

It is possible to suffer from prostate cancer for many years without displaying any symptoms at all. However when symptoms do appear they are likely to include the need for frequent urination (particularly during the night), difficulty in urinating, a weak flow or urine which tends to stop and start, pain when urinating, blood in the urine or semen, painful ejaculation and frequent pain in the lower back as well as in the hips or upper part of the thighs.

It is important to note that while these can indicate the presence of prostate cancer they can also be symptomatic of a number of other conditions and you should check with your doctor and not simply assume that because you are experiencing these symptoms that you have prostate cancer.

Question 5. What other conditions are associated with prostate cancer symptoms?

It is very common in older men for the prostate gland to enlarge placing pressure on both the bladder and the urethra and interfering with both the flow of urine and with sexual function. This condition is not cancer but is a benign condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH.

In addition, symptoms similar to those seen in prostate cancer can also be experienced as the result of a prostate infection known as prostatitis which causes inflammation of the prostate.

Question 6. Is it possible to screen for prostate cancer before symptoms appear?

There are currently two commonly performed tests which are carried out to detect the presence of prostate cancer. Although neither test is in itself a definitive test for prostate cancer, both tests can indicate problems developing with the prostate gland and thus indicate the need for more specific testing.

The two tests currently used to detect the possible presence of prostate cancer are the digital rectal exam (DRE), in which a doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to find hard or lumpy areas, and a blood test used to detect a substance made by the prostate called prostate specific antigen (PSA).

Question 7. How reliable are the present screening tests?

Neither the digital rectal exam nor the PSA blood test are perfect and the DRE can easily miss prostate cancers while it is also possible for men with prostate cancer to show normal levels of PSA in the blood.

The two tests used together do produce reasonable results and are certainly better than not screening for the condition at all, but more accurate screening is required and studies are underway to improve screening in the next few years.

Question 8. How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

The only sure way to confirm the presence of prostate cancer is to carry out a prostate biopsy during which a number of small samples of tissue are taken from various parts of the prostate gland for microscopic laboratory examination.

Question 9. How is prostate cancer treated?

Provided the cancer is localized (confined to the prostate gland) there are currently three main forms of treatment available.

The first is simply to watch and wait. This may seem a strange form of treatment but in older patients who may have other serious medical problems it may be best to simply leave prostate cancer untreated as long as it remains confined to the prostate gland.

The second form of treatment is radiation therapy to kill the cancer cells delivered either using traditional radiotherapy techniques on an outpatient basis, or by implanting radioactive seeds into the prostate gland.

Finally, prostate cancer can be treated by simply removing the prostate gland surgically.

Question 10. What is the best treatment for localized prostate cancer?

There are a large number of factors which need to be taken into consideration before deciding upon the treatment that is right for you and the options need to be carefully considered and discussed with both your family and your doctor.

In most cases prostate cancer is slow to develop and there is rarely any need to rush into treatment. Take your time, collect as much information as you can about the disease and the options for treatment and make your decision based upon the information you have, the advice you are given and your own personal feelings on the matter.

ProstateCancerExplained.com provides information on a variety of different prostate gland problems including an enlarged prostate gland, prostate symptoms, prostate surgery and finding a prostate cancer cure.

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Winter Wedding Favor Ideas and Inspirations

Winter Wedding Favor Ideas and Inspirations
By Erica Tevis

The twinkle of the sun reflects off the newly fallen snow giving it an appearance of dazzling diamonds and the icicles form elegant ice sculptures off of every tree branch against a crisp blue winter sky. Does this picture embrace your magnificent dreams of a perfect winter wonderland wedding? If so, you are not alone. Many brides dream of a beautiful winter wedding, whether it be a Christmas themed event, dancing on New Year’s Eve, a romantic Valentine’s wedding, or a ski inspired resort getaway wedding - winter weddings are a magical event.

If you choose to get married in the colder months, you may want to incorporate the season into your wedding favors and decorations. Wedding suppliers have caught onto this idea and have brought this season a sprout of new winter wedding favors sure to inspire and delight you.

Some of our favorite ideas for winter wedding favors are:

Snow Globe Wedding Favors

Although somewhat difficult to find on traditional wedding favor web sites, there are a variety of stores both online and in your neighborhood which carry seasonal products. Snow globes traditionally remind people of the cold months, and what better way to remind your guests of your winter wedding. Available in a multitude of themes and inner designs, you are sure to find a globe that fits your wedding perfectly.

Hot Drink Winter Wedding Favors

What is more perfect than cuddling up by the fireside with your fingers wrapped around a hot cup to warm you? Hot chocolate especially reminds those of winter, and with designers conjuring up various gift designs of this favorite drink, you can find the perfect drink in the perfectly complimented winter packaging. If you’re not sold on hot cocoa wedding favors, many of the same designs are available in coffee wedding favors, cappuccino wedding favors, tea wedding favors, and cocktail inspired winter wedding favor designs (which are perfect for those New Year’s Eve weddings!)

Snowflake Inspired Winter Wedding Favors

What’s winter without snow? Just like each snowflake is different and unique – so is your wedding! Make your winter wedding favors stand out with snowflake inspired designs in items such as:

• Snowflake Coasters
• Snowflake Bottle Stoppers
• Snowflake Candies, Chocolates
• Snowflake Soaps
• Place Card Holders
• Candles
• Mini Boxes

Plants and Pine Cone Wedding Favors If you’re planning a Christmas themed wedding, then there are several Christmas plants that are beautiful gifts. Poinsettias, Christmas lilies, mini evergreens or holly are lovely long lasting gifts.

Also consider:

• Christmas Ornaments
• Pine Cone Sachets
• Pine Cone Boxes
• Christmas Tree Soaps
• Cookie Cutters
• Cookies in decorative tins

Star Themed Favors Your love is in the stars! Star themed items are extremely popular during this season. Although, not as seasonal as snowflakes or Christmas items, these lend a certain grace and elegance to the season. Some perfect ideas for star inspired winter wedding favors are:

• Star Bottle Stoppers
• Star Place Card Holders
• Star Place Candles

Valentine’s Day Inspired Wedding Favors Although Valentine’s Day is a winter holiday, many people think of warm memories in red, pinks and white. Heart shaped items are popular sellers for these events and as favors. To add a wintry touch to these favors select something with crisp and cool undertones such as silver or crystal. Some of our favorites are:

• Heart Shaped Bookmarks
• Heart Shaped Wine Stoppers
• Heart Shaped Luggage Tags
• Heart Tins with Chocolates
• Pink Sweetheart Bath Confetti
• Heart Shaped Key chains
• Crystal Heart Perfume Bottles
• Love Cookie Cutters
• Love Coasters / Heart Shaped Coasters

We hope your winter wedding is as magical and beautiful as you wish it to be. With so many beautiful winter wedding favors on the market today, you may find it difficult to pick your favorite!

Erica Tevis is the owner of Little Things Wedding Favors which carries thousands of wedding favors and wedding accessories to suit every couple's style, theme and budget.

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Fall Spring and Summer Wedding Invitation Ideas

Fall, Spring and Summer Wedding Invitation Ideas
By Chris Ryerson

Are you in the process of choosing a wedding invitation for your wedding? This can be a tricky process and one that should be thought about carefully. The wedding invitations that you send will be the first impression that people will have of your wedding and you want to have a good first impression.

Time

One of the first and most important considerations for your wedding invitation should be the time that the wedding will take place. If you are having your wedding in the winter or fall your invitations will look very different then spring wedding invitations. Below are some common ideas and tips that will help you make the right decision.

Fall Wedding Invitations

If your wedding will take place in the fall or winter time then you will want to theme your wedding invitations to fit the season. It would not make sense to have an invitation with spring lilies on it for example. For some of the typical fall wedding invitation ideas think about what fall means to you. The weather is getting colder outside and the leaves are all turning beautiful shades of red, browns, and deep yellows and falling from the trees. There might already be snow on the ground and it is the time to start snuggling up next to a warm fire and a very traditional time for lovers and family with the winter holidays on the way. These are the feelings that you will want to portray in your fall or winter wedding invitations.

Colors: browns, greens, gold, or white or even off white

Decoration and motifs: wide burgundy ribbons and bows, fall leaves, pine cones, pine trees, gold leaf, embossing and watermarks

Papers: you will want a paper with some tooth or texture to it. Heavy weight or heavy bond papers work well and give it a wonderful fall feel. Also papers with a deckled or unfinished edge are a nice touch. Burlap can even be used if thought about and used carefully.

There are a lot of different options if you are looking for cheap or discount fall wedding invitations for the fall season. You can easily make the invitations on your computer. Also if you look online you can easily find a ton of suppliers that will make discount wedding invitations. These can be a great way to save money.

Spring Wedding Invitations

Typically spring is a time of new life, bright new colors and blooming flowers! These are all things that you will want to pick up in your spring themed wedding invitations. No matter what you are looking for elegant spring wedding invitations or a more simple or even discount spring wedding invitations you will still want to capitalize on the time of year. Again you will want to think about what spring means to you and your fiance.

Colors: any shade of pink, light greens, silver, and of course pure white

Decorations and Motifs: flowers like lilies or roses, tulips and daises. Butterflies and birds also work well.

Papers: thick white papers with a heavy bond work well. Also handmade papers with pressed flowers can make a wonderful spring invitation.

Summer Wedding Invitations:

If you are planning on getting married in the summer months then of course you will want a summer wedding invitation. These can be anything in a wide range of possibilities from the fun and whimsical summer invitation to the more formal invitation. IT again really depends on what summer means to you. You might think of fun sunny days spent at the beach or relaxing days spent out in the garden.

Colors: pastel colors in pinks, light blues, pure white and yellows

Decorations: beach items, raffia, tool (fabric), light muslin cloth,

Papers: vellum, light weight or light bond papers, handmade papers with pressed flowers,

A wedding invitation can be a very fun yet important part of the wedding planning. Since it is so important and it will act as the first impression that your guests will have of the wedding and often will become a memory or keepsake item for you it is important to spend some time thinking about the right option for you. You can easily pick up on the theme of your wedding and especially bring in the time of year. A dark velvety red wedding invitation will obviously look out of place for a summer wedding.

It doesnt matter if you are looking for a fall, winter, spring or summer wedding invitation there are a lot of ways that you can find affordable discount wedding invitations and there is always the option to make them yourself. DIY wedding invitations are becoming more popular all the time. So if you are sending out fall wedding invitations, spring invitations or summer invitations you are sure to find a wide variety of colors, decorations, and papers that will work for you. By planning ahead and shopping carefully or even making it yourself you are sure to save big money and have a wonderfully themed wedding invitation.

Free 5 Day Wedding Savings ecourse sent to your email. Or for great information onFall, Spring and Summer Wedding Invitations check out Plan Best Wedding.

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Winter Wedding Ideas

Winter Wedding Ideas
By Dennis Estrada

The winter wedding is magical wedding that coincides on the snowy winter, festive, and holiday months. The winter months start from late November to early March. The snow flakes float romantically in the air and come down slowly to the ground. In a few hours, the snow blankets all around to create and prepare for fabulous wedding setting.

The snow glistens and sparkles to your eyes as if the snow calls you to play. If you look real close, the white turns bluish in color. On a clear silent night, the stars flicker and shine heavenly. Thus, the winter wedding colors include white, light blue, and silver. Since the mistle toe is a green and red, the green and red color also fits the winter wedding. Think of ice, snow, snowflakes, ornaments, lanterns, fireplaces, ice sculptures, ginger breads, holiday decorations, and holiday treats as a winter wedding theme.

The white flowers works best for winter wedding like roses, calla lilies, carnations, gardenias, and magnolias. Although the mistle toes are green and red, mistle toes can be use as we use mistle toes for holiday decorations.

The Victorian church, winter village, large log cabin, historic mansion, and nostalgic castle provide an elegant and fabulous wedding venue. Ski resorts usually reside on a winter village. The winter village gives an unforgettable feel and character for wedding photos. A good example is Whistler, BC in Canada. A castle will do well for a venue too. For a new country, a castle-like or brick-like hotel or inn is a good alternative. The Banff Springs Hotel which is a castle-like hotel located at Banff, BC, Canada fits perfectly to the description. The large log cabin can make you feel at home as well. Also, any Victorian Church and Historic Mansion will etch the lasting memory in your heart. The wedding will be remembered forever. Lastly, you can dress up the pine trees with holiday ornaments and lights. The wedding photos will capture the festiveness of the holiday. It is like a wedding in holiday tree festival.

In cold winter weather, the white coats, furs, scarves, gloves, and capes handle the chilly and snowy weather. The snowflakes look magical in wedding photos too. Suddenly, the wedding is in winter wonderland. To add sparkles in your wedding attire, you can add diamond or pearl earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. The bridal jewelry complements the already stunning wedding dress. For the bridesmaids, and maids of honor, the Swarovski Crystal or Cubic Zirconia Jewelry work as excellent wedding favors. It is a great treat for playing the vital wedding roles. You can also dress up the bridesmaids, and maids of honor with fluffy angel feather wings to create a team of angels in the wedding.

The fireplaces and candles add a never-ending charm. We like to cozy and warm up around fireplaces during the winter season. Several red, green, and silver votive on the fireplace release the romantic mood of the holiday and wedding. On a centerpiece, several ice sculptures bring the magic of winter season in the reception dinner. A snowman, ice globe, castle, and snow flake ice sculpture are a few of the choices. Or, the village of ginger bread houses works like a charm too. To add more holiday flavor, you can add holiday garlands, and flickering lights.

The wedding cake can sit on white tulle, cotton, and blanket to simulate a wedding cake on a snowy hill. The baker can decorate the wedding with ginger bread man, and miniature winter village.

The menu of the winter season is ham, and turkey. For dessert, you have a choice of roasted chestnut, chocolate fondue, ginger breads, candy cane, marshmallows, and mint candy. For beverage, you have hot chocolate, hot cider, eggnog, and sparkling wine. Hot chocolate can be spiced up with a hint of candy cane, whereas the hot cider can be spiced up with a stick of cinnamon.

The wedding favors of the season are holiday ornaments, snowflake-shape soap, scented pine cones, snowstorm globe, candle votives, ornament candle, holiday tree soap, holiday stockings, and ginger breads.

During the winter holiday, many come home to celebrate the holiday with our relatives. So, they are more likely to come celebrate the wedding with you. Best of all, most establishments decorates for the holiday festivities. So, you save money on decorations. A winter wedding also captures the magic of the winter and holiday season.

Dennis Estrada owns Fall Wedding Ideas, Wedding Toasts For Reception Dinner, and Wedding Bubbles And Wedding Tosses website.

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