September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and it’s a great time to learn more about this disease that affects millions of men worldwide. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men after skin cancer. While it is often treatable, early detection and diagnosis are crucial for successful outcomes. We hope this guide will help you with understanding prostate cancer.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer begins in the prostate gland, a small gland located just below the bladder in men. The prostate gland produces semen, which carries sperm. It’s a common cancer, with approximately 5.5 million men worldwide living with it. Every year, around 5.7 million new cases are diagnosed. This makes prostate cancer the most prevalent cancer among men globally. Understanding prostate cancer will empower you to take proactive steps towards prevention and early detection.
Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer
Scientists or researchers have not determined the exact causes of prostate cancer,, but according to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, three main risk factors have been identified. They include:
Age:
- Prostate cancer risk significantly increases with age.
- Approximately 60% of prostate cancer cases occur in men over 65.
Family History:
- Genetic factors play a substantial role in prostate cancer development.
- Men with a family history of prostate cancer have a higher risk.
- People with a family history of prostate cancer have a significantly higher risk if affected relatives were diagnosed before age 60.
Race:
- Black men face a disproportionate risk of prostate cancer compared to white men.
- They are more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age and with aggressive forms of the disease.
- Mortality rates are significantly higher among Black men.
Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Early-stage prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. However, as the cancer grows, it can cause some of the following symptoms:
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty urinating
- Weak urine flow
- Blood in the urine
- Pain or burning during urination
- Pain in the back, hips or pelvis
- Erectile dysfunction
Remember: urinary symptoms don’t necessarily mean that you have cancer. Other benign diseases like Prostatitis or BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, also known as enlargement of the prostate) can cause similar symptoms and are very common.
Early Detection and Diagnosis
Early detection is crucial for successful treatment of prostate cancer. Regular screening tests can help identify the disease in its early stages, when it is most treatable. Doctors commonly use the digital rectal exam (DRE) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to screen for prostate cancer.
Treatment
The treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and your overall health. Treatment options often include:
- Surgery: Surgery is often used to treat early-stage prostate cancer. There are several types of surgery that can be used to treat prostate cancer, including radical prostatectomy and brachytherapy.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used to treat prostate cancer in any stage.
- Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy reduces the levels of testosterone in your body. Testosterone is a hormone that helps prostate cancer cells grow.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses powerful drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy is often used to treat advanced-stage prostate cancer.
- Active surveillance: Active surveillance is a watch-and-wait approach that is often used to treat low-grade prostate cancer. With active surveillance, your doctor will monitor your prostate cancer to see if it grows or spreads.
Schedule a Screening
Prostate cancer is a serious disease that affects millions of men worldwide. However, with early detection and treatment, many men with prostate cancer can live long and healthy lives. If you are experiencing any symptoms or are concerned about your risk, talk to one of our Urology physicians about screening options. By understanding prostate cancer and taking the steps to prevent and detect it early, you can help reduce your risk of this disease.
Resources:
https://www.pcf.org/patient-resources/family-cancer-risk/prostate-cancer-risk-factors/
https://www.pcf.org/about-prostate-cancer/what-is-prostate-cancer/prostate-gland/prostatitis/
https://www.pcf.org/about-prostate-cancer/what-is-prostate-cancer/prostate-gland/what-is-bph/
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