Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. It affects the prostate, the gland located under the bladder and in front of the rectum that helps produce semen and allows sperm to move more effectively, among other functions. Although prostate cancer can be life-threatening, it often spreads slowly and requires only minimal treatment. When confined to the prostate gland, it can usually be treated effectively, making early detection crucial.
Risks Factors for Prostate Cancer
The specific cause of prostate cancer is unknown, although it is believed to be a combination of hereditary, hormonal and environmental factors. Certain factors may cause men to be at a higher risk for developing prostate cancer, including the following:
- Age of 65 and older
- Smoker
- African-American
- Family history of prostate cancer
- Diet high in fat and sugar
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Many patients with prostate cancer do not experience any noticeable symptoms while the disease is in its early stages. As the disease progresses, patients may experience the following:
- Trouble urinating
- Slowed urine stream
- Starting and stopping while urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Swelling in legs
- Bone pain
- Loss of appetite or weight
These symptoms are often not related to cancer, but to infections or other health problems. A patient should notify his doctor at the first sign of any symptoms.
Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
In addition to a physical examination, there are several tests that doctors use to diagnose prostate cancer:
- Digital rectal exam
- Urinalysis
- Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test
- Biopsy
Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Treatment for prostate cancer is most successful when the disease is identified at an early stage, before it has spread to other areas. The best treatment method varies depending on the age and overall health of the patient, grade of the tumor and stage of the cancer.
Active Surveillance
With an early diagnosis of prostate cancer, active surveillance may be suggested. During active surveillance, prostate cancer is carefully monitored for signs of progression.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be used to treat prostate cancer. Chemotherapy uses drugs to stop the cells from dividing and the growth of the tumor.
Radiation
Radiation therapy is an effective option for treating prostate cancer. Radiation is used to target the infected area of the prostate.
Hormone Therapy
The hormone testosterone serves as the main fuel for prostate cancer cell growth. Hormone therapy is used to stop testosterone from being released or to prevent it from acting on the prostate cells.
Surgery
Surgery may be recommended to treat severe cases of prostate cancer. The doctor removes the tumor through an open or laparoscopic procedure, which may include removing all or part of the prostate.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe a combination treatment plan, which uses several of the treatment options listed above.
Prevention of Prostate Cancer
Although prostate cancer cannot be prevented, patients can reduce their risk of developing the disease by maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle. Diet and lifestyle changes have also been shown to reduce the risk of prostate cancer development and progression, and can help men with prostate cancer live longer and more productive lives.
Thanks to early screenings and a high cure rate, the 5-year relative survival rate for prostate cancer is almost 100 percent. The 5-year survival rate is an estimation of a person’s prognosis depending on the cancer they have.
Your life expectancy (prognosis) after prostate cancer is based on the grade of your cancer at diagnosis, whether or not it has spread to other parts of your body, and other health conditions you have.
While prostate cancer does have a high survival rate, the aforementioned factors will affect each patient individually. Those who have their prostates removed and who undergo prescribed treatments are more likely to have a high survival rate than those who do not.
Different treatments have distinct timetables. Even therapies like chemotherapy operate on varied schedules depending on which drug you're receiving. Doctors will continue to monitor your health after treatment and may declare you cancer-free after a certain period of time. This means that even if things look good after your initial treatment, you'll still need to keep it up and get tested regularly.
Advanced surgical techniques have made it easier for doctors to treat prostate cancer. New molecular tests called genomic tests allow physicians to monitor changes in prostate cancer cells more closely and predict how they may change or grow in the future.
Additional advancements include robot-assisted prostatectomy, single-incision robotic prostatectomy, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), and proton beam radiation.
Finding out your loved one has prostate cancer is devastating, even if it has a high survival rate. Support groups and family and individual psychotherapy can help provide information and emotional support as you navigate this experience together. It is important that caretakers, loved ones, and the patient all have appropriate support during this time. This may mean going to support groups together as well as having their own therapy sessions to cope with the many emotional challenges and mental uncertainties of a cancer diagnosis.
While no one can predict exactly where cancer will ultimately spread, the most common areas that prostate cancer first spreads to are the lymph nodes, rectum, bladder, and abdominal organs, however, because every patient’s body is different and cancer progresses differently in every person, you must work closely with an expert who can help you manage your cancer and reduce the risk of metastases (growth).
Yes, you can live a normal, healthy life without a prostate. However, you may need to undergo testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) afterward. Men who have a radical prostatectomy will also be infertile, so they will need to discuss family planning with their doctor prior to surgery.
Certain lifestyle factors may increase the risk of prostate cancer, such as being overweight or obese, consuming a high amount of dairy products, and eating a diet that is rich in saturated fats. Research has shown that men who exercise regularly have a reduced risk of developing prostate cancer.
