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."
On April 10th, our father, Orenthal James Simpson, succumbed to his battle with cancer.
— O.J. Simpson (@TheRealOJ32) April 11, 2024
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.
-The Simpson Family
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 Symptoms
In 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:
- Difficulty in urination
- Weak or disturbed urine flow
- Frequent urination
- Feeling that the bladder is not empty
- Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, around the waist
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Swelling in the legs or feet
Risk Factors For Prostate Cancer
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 Cancer
Some 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) test
A 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.
Biopsy
In 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 Cancer
It 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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