The Medical Advisor

What Is an Enlarged Prostate? An enlarged prostate, medically known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), is a non-cancerous increase in the size of the prostate gland that commonly affects men as they age. The prostate surrounds the urethra. As it enlarges, it can compress this tube and cause urinary problems such as: Weak urine flow Frequent urination Difficulty emptying the bladder Key Fact: BPH is not prostate cancer, but both conditions can occur at the same time. Why This Matters Around 50% of men over age 50 are affected Up to 90% of men over age 80 develop some degree of BPH It is one of the most common causes of urinary symptoms in older men What Causes an Enlarged Prostate? 1. Hormonal Changes (Primary Cause) As men age: Testosterone levels decline Estrogen levels relatively increase Testosterone converts into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which stimulates prostate growth DHT accumulation is one of the strongest drivers of prostate enlargement. 2. Lifelong Prostate Growth The ...

In the ever-evolving field of oncology, understanding genetics and genomics is crucial for patients, families, and healthcare providers alike. Genetics focuses on the study of genes and their role in inheritance—how certain traits or conditions are passed from one generation to the next. Genetic testing identifies inherited mutations present in every cell of the body since birth (known as germline testing). This can be performed via a blood test, cheek swab, or saliva sample. In cancer care, it's vital because it detects inherited predispositions to specific cancers, such as those linked to BRCA1/2, ATM, PALB2, CHEK2, BRIP1, Lynch syndrome, and others. These insights inform treatment choices, surveillance strategies, risk-reduction measures, and family testing recommendations. Genomics, on the other hand, examines a person's entire genome. In cancer, genomic testing analyzes the tumor cells to pinpoint gene or protein alterations that distinguish them from healthy cells. By se...