What is Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate, a small gland located in the male reproductive system. The prostate is responsible for producing semen, the fluid that carries sperm. An uncontrollable growth of prostate cells causes prostate cancer. As the cancer cells grow and multiply, they can form a tumour and potentially spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones and lymph nodes.

There is an increased risk of developing prostate cancer with age, and it is the most common form of cancer in men. The majority of prostate cancers are slow-growing, and many men with the disease will never experience symptoms or require treatment. However, some forms of prostate cancer can be aggressive and require prompt treatment to prevent the cancer from spreading. Symptoms of prostate cancer can include difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and pain or discomfort in the pelvic area.

 

Causes and risk factors.

The exact cause of prostate cancer is not well known. However, several risk factors have been identified that are associated with an increased risk of developing the disease. These include:

• Age: As men get older, the risk of prostate cancer increases. Men over the age of 65 are most likely to be diagnosed with the disease.
• Family history: There is an increased risk of developing prostate cancer in men who have a family history of the disease.
• Ethnicity: Prostate cancer is more common in African American men and less common in Asian and Hispanic men.
• Diet: A diet high in red meat and dairy products may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
• Obesity: Men who are overweight or obese may have an increased risk of prostate cancer.
• Certain genetic mutations: Some men carry inherited genetic mutations that increase their risk of prostate cancer.
• Environmental factors: Some studies suggest that exposure to certain chemicals or toxins may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

It’s important to note that having one or more of these risk factors does not mean that a man will definitely develop prostate cancer. Many men with one or more risk factors will never develop the disease, and many men who develop prostate cancer have no known risk factors.

 

Symptoms

Prostate cancer often does not cause any symptoms in its early stages, which is why regular screenings are important for early detection. However, as the cancer grows and spreads, it can cause a range of symptoms including:

• An inability to start or stop the flow of urine.
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Pain or discomfort while urinating
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
• Erectile dysfunction

These symptoms listed above can also occur with conditions, such as an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or a urinary tract infection. It is essential to consult a urologist if you experience any of these symptoms to rule out or confirm the presence of prostate cancer and to receive proper treatment if necessary.

 

Diagnosis

Prostate cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of tests that help to identify the presence of the disease and determine its stage.

Prostate cancer can be diagnosed through a combination of digital rectal examination, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). Biopsy may be needed for definitive diagnosis.

• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): During a DRE, the doctor will insert a gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any lumps or hard areas in the prostate.
• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: PSA is a protein that is produced by the prostate gland and is present in the blood of all men. High levels of PSA is an indication of prostate cancer.
• Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS): TRUS uses sound waves to create images of the prostate, which can be used to detect abnormal areas within the gland.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is taken from the prostate and examined under a microscope to check for the presence of cancer cells. This is the definitive test to confirm the presence of prostate cancer.

Staging:

• Once prostate cancer is diagnosed, the next step is to determine the stage of the disease. The stage of the disease is determined by how far the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland.
• Imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are used to determine the stage of prostate cancer.

It’s important to note that these tests are not always conclusive, and the results must be interpreted by a healthcare professional in the context of other factors such as patient’s symptoms, age, PSA level and overall health status. Your healthcare professional will provide you with a personalized recommendation based on your individual condition and circumstances.

 

Treatment

The treatment of prostate cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of the disease, the patient’s overall health, and the patient’s personal preferences. Among the main treatment options for prostate cancer are:

• Active Surveillance: This is recommended for men with low-risk prostate cancer who have a slow-growing tumour and are expected to have a life expectancy of at least 10 years. Active surveillance involves regular monitoring of the disease with PSA tests, digital rectal exams, and biopsies to ensure that the cancer is not progressing.

• Surgery: Surgery is an option for men with early-stage prostate cancer. The most common type of surgery is a radical prostatectomy, which involves removing the entire prostate gland and some surrounding tissue. Another option is a robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy, which is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a robotic surgical system to remove the prostate.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy involves using high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) is the most common type of radiation therapy for prostate cancer. Brachytherapy is another type of radiation therapy, which involves the placement of small radioactive seeds into the prostate gland.
• Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT): ADT is a hormone therapy that reduces the levels of testosterone, which can slow down or stop the growth of prostate cancer.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells, it’s only used in advanced cases of prostate cancer that have spread to other parts of the body.

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and the best course of treatment for an individual patient may vary depending on factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, and the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer. It’s always best to discuss with your urologist or oncologist for personalized recommendation based on your own condition and circumstance.

 

Prevention

There is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, but there are some steps that men can take to reduce their risk of developing the disease. These include:

• Eating a healthy diet: Eating a diet that is low in red meat and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
• Maintaining a healthy weight: Being overweight or obese increases the risk of prostate cancer, so maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet can help to reduce the risk.
• Avoiding exposure to certain chemicals and toxins: Some studies suggest that exposure to certain chemicals and toxins, such as pesticides, may increase the risk of prostate cancer. Taking steps to reduce exposure to these substances can help to lower the risk.
• Not smoking and limiting alcohol intake: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of prostate cancer.
• Getting regular check-ups: Regular check-ups with a healthcare professional can help to detect prostate cancer early when it is most treatable. Men over the age of 50 should talk to their doctor about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening, which typically includes a PSA test and a digital rectal exam.

It’s important to note that these steps may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, but they do not guarantee that a man will not develop the disease. Also, it’s important to remember that a diagnosis of prostate cancer does not necessarily mean that the cancer will progress or cause harm. Some prostate cancers are not aggressive and may not require treatment, regular monitoring of the disease may be enough.