Prostate Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Prevention & Treatment

 

Prostate cancer is a prevalent disease that primarily affects males. It occurs when abnormal cells in the prostate glands begin to multiply uncontrollably, eventually forming a malignant tumor. In 2022 alone, an estimated 30,000 males were diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is worth noting that the average age of diagnosis is around 69 years old. When prostate cancer is in its early stages, it is referred to as localized cancer, meaning that the cancer cells have matured but have not spread beyond the prostate gland.

 

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Early prostate cancer usually does not show many of the symptoms.

a. Urination

b. Pain while urinating

c. Blood in the urine

d. Pain in the back or pelvis

e. Weak legs and muscles

 

Prostate Cancer Causes 

Several factors increase the risk of developing certain medical conditions. In the case of age, it is widely recognised that as individuals reach their 50s and beyond, the likelihood of experiencing age-related health issues tends to rise. This is primarily due to the natural physiological changes that occur in the body over time.

Additionally, family history plays a crucial role in understanding an individual's susceptibility to certain diseases, such as prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer. In particular, a family history that includes instances of these types of cancer, especially in close relatives, raises concerns about inherited genetic mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. These mutations are known to significantly increase the risk of developing cancer. 

 

Signs You are Dying of Prostate Cancer

The most common sign that it shows is the spread of cancer around the other parts of the body. When more than two organs or body parts get affected by the spread of cancerous cells, it becomes hard to treat it. This is where sometimes medical science or human genetic makeup restricted further treatment.

There are two stages of advanced prostate cancer:

 

1. Locally Advanced Stage

When prostate cancer reaches the locally advanced stage, it means that the cancer cells have penetrated the outer layer of the prostate gland and invaded neighboring structures. These structures may include the seminal vesicles, lymph nodes, bladder, rectum, or the wall of the pelvis. The spread of cancer to these adjacent areas indicates a higher likelihood of disease progression and the potential for metastasis.

 

2. Metastatic Prostate Cancer

Metastatic prostate cancer is the most advanced stage of the disease, where cancer cells have spread to distant parts of the body beyond the prostate and nearby tissues. Common sites of metastasis include the bones, lymph nodes, liver, lungs, or other distant organs. The spread of cancer cells to these sites occurs through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.

 

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

If your doctor suspects you may have prostate cancer or stage 4 prostate cancer, you may have to go for one or more of the following tests:

 

PSA Blood Test

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is utilized to measure the levels of PSA proteins produced by both healthy and cancerous prostate cells. Due to the variability of PSA levels, doctors often rely on multiple blood tests conducted over time to assess the risk of prostate cancer. It is important to note that some individuals with prostate cancer may exhibit normal PSA levels, and only one out of three men with elevated PSA levels actually have cancer. Therefore, the PSA test, while valuable, is typically employed in conjunction with other diagnostic tests to accurately diagnose prostate cancer.

 

Digital Testing

Routine use of the Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) is no longer recommended for men without prostate cancer symptoms. While not all prostate cancers result in elevated levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), the DRE can still be employed as a preliminary measure to assess the prostate prior to a biopsy.

 

After a Prostate Cancer Diagnosis  

Upon learning of your prostate cancer diagnosis, it's natural to experience a range of emotions such as shock, distress, anxiety, or uncertainty. These feelings are entirely normal. Engage in open discussions about your treatment choices with your doctor, loved ones, and friends. Don't hesitate to ask questions and gather as much information as you require. Remember, you have the autonomy to decide your level of involvement in making decisions regarding your treatment. You can anytime book an appointment with a specialist doctor to deal with such condition.

 

Prostate Cancer Treatment

Staging

A vast majority of patients, approximately ninety percent, initially present with localized disease. To determine the extent of cancer spread, bone and CT scans are employed.

 

Active Surveillance

Active surveillance is a monitoring approach for prostate cancer that is not exhibiting symptoms and is classified as low risk. This refers to cancer that is small, slow-growing, and unlikely to metastasize. 

 

Under Observation

Watchful waiting is another method of monitoring prostate cancer, involving regular PSA tests and check-ups. Watchful waiting may be suitable for older men in whom the cancer is not expected to pose a problem throughout their lifetime.