Cancer is a group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. Although cancer is currently the second leading cause of death worldwide, the prognosis and survival rates for many types of cancer have improved significantly due to advancements in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Some cancers that most commonly affect men are prostate, colon, lung, and skin. Knowing these cancers and what can be done to prevent or detect them early will help save precious lives.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that affects a man’s prostate gland, which is part of the male reproductive system. It is one of the most common types of cancer in men. The prostate gland is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. The prostate’s main function is to help produce fluid that, together with sperm cells, makes up semen. As men age, the cells in the prostate gland may begin to multiply, causing the gland to increase in size. As the prostate gland enlarges, it can pressure the urethra, resulting in a range of urinary symptoms. The most common problems are
prostate enlargement,
prostatitis, and
prostate cancer
Types of Prostate Cancer
There are several types of prostate cancer, but adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent.
Adenocarcinoma: It is the most common type of prostate cancer, accounting for more than 90 percent of diagnoses. It appears in the glandular cells, which form the prostate and produce either an excess of male hormones or other secretions. Cells in normal, healthy prostate are well-structured, but those affected by adenocarcinoma take on a less organised, distorted shape. Tumour cells invade the surrounding tissues and can spread or metastasise to other parts of the body.
Transitional cell carcinomas: These cancers typically originate in the bladder’s lining and can spread to the prostate. They are also less common than adenocarcinomas and may require a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Neuroendocrine tumours: These are rare and aggressive types of prostate cancer that develop from hormone-producing cells in the prostate. They grow quickly and may not respond well to standard radiation and hormone therapy treatments.
Sarcomas: These rare types of prostate cancer develop in the prostate’s connective tissue or muscle cells. They are typically treated with surgery to remove the tumour and surrounding tissue.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Uneasiness During ejaculation
Blood in semen
Pain during ejaculation
Changes in urination
Burning sensation or pain when urinating
More frequent urinating during the day or night
Blood in the urine gives it a pink, orange, red or brown colour
Reduced urine flow-the stream is smaller, weaker, or interrupted
Changes in the lower extremities
Swelling in the thighs, calves, or feet
Persistent pain in the back, help or pelvis
Causes of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is more common in older men. The major causes are –
Family history
Certain genetic mutations.
Other risk factors include diet, obesity, and exposure to certain chemicals.
Tests Recommended to Diagnose Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of tests and procedures.
Blood tests: A blood test known as the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) measures the levels of PSA, a protein generated by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels in the blood are indicative of prostate cancer.
Digital rectal examination (DRE): It involves the insertion of a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum by a doctor to check for any irregularities in the prostate gland.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI uses strong magnets and radio waves to create detailed images of the prostate gland. This procedure can assist in detecting any abnormal regions that may necessitate additional testing, such as a biopsy.
Biopsy: A biopsy takes a small sample of prostate tissue for microscopic examination to detect cancer. A needle is typically used to remove tissue through the rectum.
If prostate cancer is diagnosed, your doctor will also recommend further tests to determine the extent and stage of cancer, which will help guide treatment decisions.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
In cases where cancer is in its early stages and hasn’t metastasised, available treatment options are:
Radiation therapy: The treatment method utilises high energy to destroy cancer cells. External radiation or brachytherapy can be used and may be combined with hormone therapy for better results.
Hormone therapy: This treatment aims to reduce testosterone levels in the body, which can help slow the growth of prostate cancer.
Surgery: A radical prostatectomy involves the surgical removal of the prostate gland. This may be done using minimally invasive techniques such as robotic-assisted surgery.
For advanced prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, treatment options may include:
Hormone therapy: This may be used to slow the growth of cancer and relieve symptoms.
Chemotherapy: This treatment Uses drugs to finish cancer cells and may be combined with hormone therapy.
Immunotherapy: This is a newer form of treatment that helps the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
Palliative care: This type of care focuses on improving life for people with advanced cancer. It may involve pain management, symptom relief, and emotional support.
Some of these treatments may have specific side effects, including poor organ function and urinary symptoms, such as the need to use the bathroom faster or more often. High-Intensity Ultrasound (HIU) and cryotherapy are new treatments that aim to reduce side effects, but they may not be suitable for everyone.
FAQs
Q. Who is at risk for prostate cancer?
A. Prostate cancer risk factors include advanced age, a family history of cancer, obesity, and poor lifestyle choices.
Q. How is prostate cancer detected?
A. Prostate cancer may be detected through a digital rectal exam, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, or a prostate gland biopsy.
Q. What are the side effects of chemotherapy?
A. The side effects of chemotherapy include
nausea, vomiting,
hair loss, fatigue,
increased risk of infection, and
anaemia.
Q. What is the recovery time after cancer treatment?
A. It may take weeks or months to recover fully from some treatments, such as surgery or chemotherapy.
Q. Can prostate cancer be prevented?
A. While there is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, maintaining a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol use may lower the risk.
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