Understanding Prostate Cancer

Category : Prostate Cancer | Sub Category : Prostate Cancer Posted on 2025-06-30 21:14:30

Understanding Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting men worldwide. It develops in the prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder that produces seminal fluid to nourish and transport sperm.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of prostate cancer is not fully understood, but several factors can increase the risk:

• Age: Risk increases significantly after age 50.

• Family history: Men with close relatives who had prostate cancer are more likely to develop it.

• Ethnicity: African-American men have higher rates and more aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

• Diet and lifestyle: High-fat diets and obesity may contribute to risk.

Symptoms

Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. When symptoms appear, they may include:

• Difficulty urinating or weak urine flow

• Frequent urination, especially at night

• Blood in urine or semen

• Pain in the hips, back, or pelvis

• Erectile dysfunction

Because these symptoms can overlap with other benign conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), early screening is essential.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test: Measures PSA levels in the blood; elevated levels may indicate cancer.

• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A doctor physically checks the prostate gland for abnormalities.

• Biopsy: Tissue samples from the prostate are examined for cancer cells.

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the cancer stage, aggressiveness, and patient’s overall health. Common options include:

• Active surveillance: Monitoring slow-growing cancers without immediate treatment.

• Surgery: Prostatectomy to remove the prostate gland.

• Radiation therapy: Targeted radiation to kill cancer cells.

• Hormone therapy: Reduces testosterone which fuels cancer growth.

• Chemotherapy and newer targeted therapies: For advanced cases.

Prognosis and Prevention

When detected early, prostate cancer has a high survival rate. Regular screening, healthy diet, exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk.