2 minute read

Prostate Prostate Cancer? Cancer?

By Alicia Ingram

If you exclude skin cancer, more men develop prostate cancer than any other type of malignancy. About 180,000 men are diagnosed with a prostate tumor each year in the U.S., and while many die from other causes, there are still around 26,000 prostate cancer deaths annually. Even though the majority of prostate cancers occur in those over the age of 65, if you are over 40, it pays to be familiar with the common signs. Early diagnosis allows you to receive the monitoring and treatment you need that can increase your chances of survival.

Early Signs of Prostate Cancer

Early-stage prostate cancer is usually asymptomatic, often because the tumor is not large enough to press on your urethra. In the absence of symptoms, a routine blood test may reveal raised levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA), thereby indicating cancer. With an early diagnosis, your specialist may decide to hold off any cancer treatment, choosing instead to monitor your test results.

Advanced Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Symptoms of cancer vary among men, depending on the size and stage of the tumor, so you may experience one or several symptoms. A common sign of prostate cancer is difficulty urinating. You may find that you need to go to the bathroom more often, particularly during the night, or your urine stream is particularly slow or weak. There also may be blood in your urine or semen, and you may even develop erectile dysfunction. While you may not wish to discuss impotence with your doctor, erectile problems can have a serious cause. Always seek medical advice rather than self-medicate. Additionally, a large prostate tumor may press on your spinal cord, leading to your legs and feet feeling weak or numb. If a tumor spreads to your bones, prostate cancer signs may also include hip, back, or chest pain.

While you should always consult your doctor if you develop possible signs of prostate cancer, in many cases the symptoms are of a nonmalignant origin. For instance, benign prostate enlargement, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), frequently occurs among men over 50, causing difficulty urinating and emptying the bladder. Your doctor will assess your symptoms and arrange suitable tests as required, offering you peace of mind and letting you receive timely treatment if necessary.

Color of the Year 2023 PANTONE

By Alicia Ingram

EVERY YEAR, THE PANTONE COLOR INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES ITS “COLOR OF THE YEAR,” WHICH IS MEANT TO REFLECT THE MOOD AND TRENDS OF THE COMING YEAR. FOR 2023, THE PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR IS “AURORA,” A VIBRANT AND UPLIFTING SHADE OF PINK.

ACCORDING TO PANTONE, AURORA WAS CHOSEN AS THE COLOR OF THE YEAR BECAUSE IT “INSPIRES FEELINGS OF WARMTH, HOPE AND RESILIENCE, AS WE LOOK AHEAD TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE. “ THE VIBRANT PINK HUE IS MEANT TO EVOKE FEELINGS OF POSITIVITY AND OPTIMISM, AND IT IS EXPECTED TO BE A POPULAR CHOICE FOR FASHION AND DESIGN IN THE COMING YEAR.

AURORA IS A VERSATILE COLOR THAT CAN BE INCORPORATED INTO ANY WARDROBE. IT PAIRS WELL WITH NEUTRAL COLORS SUCH AS BLACK, WHITE AND GREY, AND CAN ALSO BE PAIRED WITH OTHER BOLD COLORS FOR A STATEMENT LOOK. IN FASHION, AURORA CAN BE SEEN IN EVERYTHING FROM DRESSES AND SKIRTS TO ACCESSORIES AND SHOES.

WHILE PINK HAS TRADITIONALLY BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH FEMININITY, AURORA IS A GENDER-NEUTRAL HUE THAT CAN BE WORN BY ANYONE. IT IS A REFRESHING AND PLAYFUL COLOR THAT IS SURE TO ADD A POP OF CHEER TO ANY OUTFIT.

SO, IF YOU'RE LOOKING TO UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE FOR 2023, CONSIDER ADDING A SPLASH OF AURORA TO YOUR LOOK. WHETHER YOU OPT FOR A BOLD STATEMENT PIECE OR A SUBTLE ACCESSORY, THIS VIBRANT PINK HUE IS SURE TO MAKE A STATEMENT.