Prostate Cancer
On this page, you will find everything you need to know about prostate cancer.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system located between the penis and bladder, surrounding the urethra. Its function is to produce fluids that nourish and transport sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer.
What Are the Causes of Prostate Cancer?
- There is no specific cause for prostate cancer, but certain factors may increase the risk, such as:
- Advancingage.
- Being overweight or obese.
- Family history.
Race: Prostate cancer is more prevalent among African American men.
What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
- Symptoms vary from person to person. Some may have the disease without any symptoms, while others may experience the following symptoms:
- Increased need to urinate.
- Difficulty when urinating.
- Weak or interrupted urine flow.
- Difficulty emptying the bladder completely.
- Pain or burning during urination.
- Blood in urine or semen.
- Pain in the testicles.
- Pain during ejaculation.
- Chronic pain in the back, hips, or pelvis.
- Bone and back pain.
- Loss of appetite.
Unexplained weight loss.
What Are the Diagnostic Methods?
- A doctor will take a medical history and conduct a physicalDREexamination, possibly requesting additional procedures as deemed necessary, such as:
- Digital rectal exam (DRE): The doctor performs a manual examination ofPSAthe rectum to detect any abnormal changes, such as cancer.
- Prostate-specific antigen test (PSA): This test involves taking a blood sample and measuring the level of PSA. High levels may indicate prostate cancer, but can also be caused by other factors, like:
- Prostate infection.
- Enlarged prostate.
- Certainmedications.
Prostate biopsy: If earlier tests suggest the possibility of prostate cancer, a biopsy is taken for diagnosis.
What Are the Treatment Methods for Prostate Cancer?
- Treatment options vary andPSAmay include the following:
- Active Surveillance: Monitoring prostate cancer through regular PSA tests and prostate biopsies, with treatment only if the cancer grows or causes symptoms.
- Symptom Monitoring: No tests or examinations are conducted. The doctortreats symptoms as they arise, not the cancer itself..
- Surgery: Removal of the prostate (prostatectomy).
- Radiation Therapy: A type of cancer treatment using high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill or prevent cancer cell growth.
- Chemotherapy: Using drugs to stop or shrink cancer cells by either killing them or preventing their division and spread. It can be taken orally, injected into a vein or muscle, or sometimes both.
- Biological Therapy: Works with the body’s immune system to help it fight cancer or control side effects from other cancer treatments.
Hormone therapy: Prevents cancer cells from growing. Often used with radiation therapy.
How Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented?
- Making some healthy lifestyle changes may help protect against prostate cancer, such as:
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Quit smoking.
- Exercise sufficiently.
Eat a well-balanced, healthy diet.
What Are the Possible Complications of Prostate Cancer?
- Some treatment methods may causeside effects, such as:
- Erectile dysfunction: Most men experience problems with erections aftersurgery. However, this may be reduced with nerve-sparing surgicaltechniques. Erectile dysfunction is also common after radiation therapy.
- Urinary incontinence: Some patients experience urine leakage in the first year following prostate removal.
Urinary urgency: Radiation therapy can damage tissues around the prostate, increasing the urge to urinate.
- When Should You See a Doctor?
- If you notice any unusual or persistent changes when urinating.
- If you experience any symptoms of prostate cancer.
- Even without symptoms, if you are at higher risk for prostate cancer due to:
- A family history of prostate cancer.
Being overweight or obese.
Frequently Asked Questions
I am experiencing difficulty urinating and frequently visit the bathroom more than usual. Does this mean I have prostate cancer?
