Prostate cancer is a cancer in the prostate in men. This is a gland that is in the reproductive system. This cancer usually grows very slowly, which means that early detection can be very difficult. Prostate cancer is quite common in men and can develop in men of nearly any age, although it is more likely to develop after the age of 50.
The symptoms of prostate cancer often do not start to show up until the cancer has been present for some time. In the early stages of this cancer, most patients are asymptomatic. The most common symptoms of this kind of cancer are:
Those with advanced cancer might experience pain in the upper thighs, the lower back, or even the hips.
The cause of prostate cancer is not well understood. The cancer develops in cells in the prostate, which have experienced a change in their DNA. This causes the cells to become confused and start to divide too rapidly, which causes a tumour to develop.
The risk factors for developing prostate cancer are:
Diagnosis of this condition often happens when men are examined for their overall health each year. Men over the age of 50 should have prostate examinations annually to try and catch this kind of cancer before it can spread.
The most common way that this condition is diagnosed is via a digital rectal exam. In this process, a doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to feel and examine the prostate. Another test that can be done to diagnose this condition is a prostate-specific antigen test. This test is done via a blood sample, and the blood is then analysed for substances that should be produced by the prostate gland. If there is a high level of antigens associated with the prostate in the blood, more diagnosis might be needed.
Ultrasound is commonly done for those with suspected prostate cancer, and MRI can also sometimes be used to get images of the prostate. Samples called biopsies of the prostate tissue can also help to diagnose cancer.
The treatment of this form of cancer can vary depending on the severity and stage of the cancer. In the early stages, radiation might be used to help control the cancer and keep it from spreading. If the cancer is growing to the point where it is causing symptoms or if it has spread to other organs or parts of the body, patients may need surgery to remove the prostate. Some combination of chemotherapy and other follow-up treatments will usually be done once the surgery is complete.
Some patients respond well to hormone therapy, which can limit the growth of the cells that are causing the cancer. These drugs can limit the production of testosterone to limit the growth of the tumour. There are medications that can also block testosterone from reaching cancer cells.
Prevention of prostate cancer can be impossible as this cancer can develop for unknown reasons. However, eating a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol consumption, and choosing not to smoke can improve your chances of avoiding getting this kind of cancer. You should also be sure to get annual screenings once you have reached the age where they are recommended. Early detection can improve your chances of having a positive outcome from the treatment of this kind of cancer.