Things you need to know
- The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland responsible for producing seminal fluid in males.
- Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland begin to divide and multiply at an abnormal rate.
- Prostate cancer can affect any man at any age. It is, however, more prevalent in older men.
Prostate cancer
The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder. It secretes seminal fluid that nourishes and protects the sperm. The size of the prostate can change as a man grows old.
Prostate cancer is a common form of cancer that begins in the prostate gland. In this condition, cancerous cells begin to grow out of control. There are different types of prostate cancer, including:
- Adenocarcinomas
- Small cell carcinomas
- Neuroendocrine tumors
- Transitional cell carcinomas
- Sarcomas
Prostate cancer symptoms
Prostate cancer symptoms affect every individual differently. There are usually no signs and symptoms in the early stages, however, you can expect the following symptoms in advanced stages:
- Difficulty in urinating
- Decreased force in the stream of urine
- Presence of blood in the urine
- Presence of blood in the semen
- Pain in bones
- Unintended weight loss
- Erectile dysfunction
Prostate cancer causes
The exact prostate cancer causes are unknown. Researchers believe that certain types of changes in the DNA of prostate cells can lead to the development of cancer. These changes in the DNA can trigger the cells to multiply at an atypical rate causing a cancerous growth.
Prostate cancer can affect any man, however, some individuals are at a higher risk compared to others. The following factors can increase your risk of prostate cancer:
- Advanced age (over 50 years of age)
- Family history of the disease
- Being obese or overweight
Prostate cancer treatment
Doctors recommend that you should seek routine screening for prostate cancer because of its asymptomatic nature in the initial stages. You should understand your personal risk of the disease and take prompt screening measures.
Tests and procedures done to diagnose prostate cancer include:
- Digital rectal exam
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
- Ultrasound
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- Prostate biopsy
Prostate cancer treatment will be based on different factors including the stage of cancer, the rate at which the cancer is spreading, your age and overall health. Prostate cancer is treated with a multidisciplinary approach with one or more protocols combined.
Common treatment alternatives for prostate cancer include:
- Active surveillance
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery to remove the prostate gland (prostatectomy)
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted drug therapy
You can prevent prostate cancer by eating a healthy and nutritious diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy body weight and knowing your risk of cancer.
Prostate cancer can be effectively cured if detected and treated early.
Prostate cancer can affect your sexual and reproductive health in advanced stages.
