Men’s Health: Understanding Prostate Disease

• Weak urine stream

• Difficulty starting urination

• Needing to urinate often, especially at night

• Feeling that the bladder is not completely empty

• Urgency to urinate

BPH is not prostate cancer, but the symptoms can be similar to other conditions, so a medical check is important.

b) Prostatitis

Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate, sometimes caused by infection, sometimes not.

Possible symptoms:

• Pain or burning when urinating

• Pain in the pelvic area, lower back, or genitals

• Frequent urination

• Sometimes fever or chills (in acute infection)

It can affect younger men as well, and it often needs medical evaluation and sometimes antibiotics or other treatments.

c) Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men worldwide.
It usually develops slowly, but some forms can be more aggressive.

Risk factors include:

• Age (risk increases after 50)

• Family history of prostate cancer (father, brother, uncle, etc.)

• Certain genetic factors

• Possibly lifestyle factors such as obesity and low physical activity

Warning signs may include:

• Trouble urinating

• Weak or interrupted urine flow

• Blood in the urine or semen

• Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis

• Unexplained weight loss (in advanced cases)

However, in early stages, prostate cancer can cause no symptoms at all. That is why screening and regular check-ups can be important for some men.

3. Prostate screening and prevention

Screening usually involves:

• PSA blood test (Prostate-Specific Antigen)

• Digital rectal exam (DRE) – the doctor gently feels the prostate through the rectum to check its size and texture.

Different countries and medical organizations have different recommendations about when to start screening (for example, some suggest discussing it with a doctor from age 50, or earlier if there is a strong family history).

Prevention tips (general health, not a guarantee):

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Exercise regularly

• Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains

• Limit highly processed foods and excessive red or processed meat

• Do not smoke, or seek help to quit

• Limit alcohol

Any man with urinary problems, blood in the urine, or persistent pain in the pelvic area should see a doctor, even if he is young.

Women’s Health: Understanding Breast Disease

1. The role and structure of the breasts

The breasts are made of:

• Glandular tissue (lobules that produce milk and ducts that carry it)

• Fatty tissue

• Connective tissue

• Blood vessels and lymphatic vessels

Changes in breast tissue are common, especially with age, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and hormonal variations. Not every lump is cancer, but every new or unusual change should be checked.

2. Common breast problems

a) Benign (non-cancerous) breast conditions

Many women experience benign breast issues such as:

• Fibrocystic changes: breasts may feel lumpy, tender, or painful, especially before menstruation.

• Cysts: fluid-filled sacs that can feel like soft or firm lumps.

• Fibroadenomas: smooth, movable benign lumps, especially common in younger women.

• Mastitis: infection of the breast, often in breastfeeding women, causing redness, pain, and sometimes fever.

These conditions are not cancer, but they can mimic some of the signs, so medical evaluation is often needed.

b) Breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most frequent cancers among women worldwide.
It can appear at any adult age, but the risk increases with age.

Main risk factors can include:

• Age (risk rises after 40–50)

• Family history of breast cancer

• Certain inherited mutations (like BRCA1, BRCA2)

• Early first period, late menopause, having no pregnancies or first pregnancy at a later age

• Obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking, high alcohol intake

Warning signs that should never be ignored:

• A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm

• Change in the shape or size of the breast

• Changes in the skin of the breast: redness, dimpling, “orange peel” aspect

• A nipple that suddenly turns inward (retraction)

• Nipple discharge, especially bloody or clear (not milk)

• A sore or ulcer on the breast or nipple that does not heal

Not all breast cancers cause pain, especially in early stages, so the absence of pain does not mean everything is fine.

3. Breast screening and early detection

Early detection of breast cancer greatly improves the chances of successful treatment.

Tools often used:

• Mammography: X-ray of the breasts. In many countries, regular mammograms are recommended from a certain age (often around 40–50, depending on national guidelines).

• Clinical breast exam: the breast is examined by a doctor or nurse.

• Ultrasound or MRI: sometimes used in addition to mammography, especially in younger women or those with dense breast tissue.

Many health organizations also encourage women to be familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts. This is sometimes called “breast self-awareness”. It does not replace medical screening, but it helps women notice changes and seek help quickly.

Shared Message: Why Awareness Matters

Even though prostate problems mainly concern men and breast problems mainly concern women, the message is similar:

1. Know your body.
   Notice what’s normal for you and what is new or unusual.

2. Do not ignore warning signs.

   • For men: urinary changes, blood in urine or semen, pelvic or bone pain.

   • For women: new breast lumps, changes in shape, nipple discharge, skin changes.

3. Use screening programs.
   Follow your country’s recommendations for prostate and breast cancer screening and discuss your personal risk with a doctor.

4. Adopt a healthy lifestyle.
   A good diet, regular physical activity, not smoking, and limiting alcohol benefit both prostate and breast health, and overall health too.

5. Consult a health professional.
   Only a doctor can evaluate symptoms, order tests (like PSA, mammography, ultrasound, biopsy), and give a diagnosis.

Important note

This article is for general information only.
It cannot replace a consultation with a doctor or specialist.

• If you (or someone close to you) have symptoms like breast changes, lumps, urinary problems, blood in urine or nipple discharge, pain, or any other worrying sign, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.

• If you have a strong family history of prostate or breast cancer, ask your doctor about earlier or more specific screening.