Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, an essential part of the male reproductive system, and is the second most common cancer among men.
The disease varies widely in its progression; some forms grow slowly and may need minimal treatment, while others are aggressive and require comprehensive interventions like surgery or radiation.
Symptoms and Risk Factors
In the initial stages, prostate cancer typically shows no symptoms. However, as the cancer advances, symptoms such as
- Frequent nighttime urination
- Diminished urine flow
- Discomfort during urination
- Ejaculation
Additional signs can include semen or Blood in the urine along with pain in the lower back, hips, or thighs.
The likelihood of developing prostate cancer rises as one ages, particularly after 50.
Other significant risk factors include
- Ethnicity, with Black men facing higher risks
- Genetics.
A family history of prostate cancer or inherited conditions like Lynch syndrome or BRCA gene mutations notably increases risk.
Diagnosis and Screening
Routine screening is essential for early identification. starts around age 55 for those at average risk but earlier for high-risk groups.
Screening methods include:
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A physician feels for abnormalities through the rectal wall.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: High levels of PSA in the blood can indicate prostate issues, including cancer.
If these tests indicate potential cancer, further diagnostic steps like
- MRIs
- Ultrasounds
- Biopsies
are employed to confirm the diagnosis.
Biopsies, involving the removal of small tissue samples for laboratory analysis, continue to be the conclusive method for diagnosing prostate cancer.
Treatment and Management
Treatment depends on the cancer stage and growth rate.
Options include:
- Active Surveillance: Monitoring slow-growing cancers closely without active treatment, suitable for low-risk cases.
- Surgery: Includes methods like radical prostatectomy, where the prostate gland is removed to prevent cancer spread.
- Radiation Therapy: Destroys cancer cells and shrinks tumours, used alone or alongside other treatments.
- Systemic Therapies: These include hormone therapy that lowers testosterone levels, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies designed to attack specific cancer cell mechanisms.
Prevention and Outlook
While it’s not entirely possible to prevent prostate cancer, making healthy lifestyle choices can help lower the risk.
- Benefits come from
- Regular screenings
- Keeping a healthy weight
- Staying active
- Eating well
- Avoiding smoking.
The prognosis for prostate cancer is generally favorable if caught early, with nearly all men diagnosed at a localized stage surviving at least five years post-diagnosis. However, outcomes worsen if the cancer has metastasized.
Individuals worried about prostate cancer or who are at heightened risk due to personal or family history should consult with a doctor to identify the best screening and prevention strategies customized to their specific needs.
