The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland in men that produces semen, which nourishes and transports sperms. The growth of cells in the prostate gland is stimulated by a male sex hormone called testosterone. Although its causes are unknown, prostate cancer is a frightening prospect for men. This cancer not only threatens their lives, but their sexuality is also at risk. Possible consequences of treatment (even if the treatment successfully saved a person's life) include erectile dysfunction and bladder control problems. Prostate cancer grows very slowly and causes little or no symptoms in the early stages. If detected early, effective treatment is possible with minimal side effects. Once cancer has spread (metastasis), treatment becomes more difficult.
A man's vulnerability to prostate cancer increases with age. Often, prostate cancer is detected too late, and those who lose their lives do not die of prostate cancer but from prostate cancer. As cancer develops, it eventually compresses the urethra, which surrounds the prostate. This is when signs and symptoms begin to appear:
- Urgency to urinate
- Difficulty starting urination.
- Dull, persistent pain in the lower pelvic area
-Painful urination, prolonged flow (almost like a dribble)
- Intermittent urine flow and a sensation that the bladder is not emptying
- Frequent urination, sometimes with blood
-Painful ejaculation
- Persistent pain in the bones, lower back, hips, and thighs
-General malaise, loss of appetite, and weight loss
If cells from a cancerous prostate break off, cancer will spread. Most commonly, prostate cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, bones in the hips or lower back, the lungs, and sometimes the brain.
Risk Factors :
The risk of prostate cancer increases with age. Like almost any other cancer, heredity also plays an important role. For unknown reasons, African-American men have a higher risk of prostate cancer. Fat rich diet and sedentary lifestyle also contribute to the risk. Fat causes an increase in the production of testosterone, which can lead to the growth of cancer cells. Higher levels of testosterone mean higher chances of developing prostate cancer. So men who suffer from hypogonadism, or have been undergoing testosterone treatment for a long time, are at increased risk. Vasectomy can also lead to prostate cancer, although there is no conclusive evidence of this.
A routine screening test can detect the onset of prostate cancer. A DRE (digital rectal exam), which involves inserting a fingertip into the rectum, helps the doctor examine the prostate. Any change in the size or shape of the gland can cause discomfort. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test analyzes a blood sample for PSA levels. If higher than normal levels are detected, a prostate infection or cancer may be suspected. A transrectal ultrasound helps to evaluate the prostate further using sound waves. If initial tests return a positive result, a prostate biopsy may be done to verify the presence of cancer. If cancer is confirmed, the next step is to check for the spread of cancer. For this bone scan, a CT scan and ultrasound scan can be used.
The type of treatment directly depends on how aggressive the cancer is. For most men, a combination of treatments (surgery, radiation with hormone therapy, chemotherapy) may prove effective.
The best way to reduce the risk of prostate cancer is to eat a diet rich in fiber and low in fat. Regular exercise also helps.
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