Prostate Cancer - A Brief Overview of a Disease

Cancer is one of the most terrifying diagnoses a person can receive, given its potentially detrimental and terminal effects.

However, prostate cancer, despite being one of the forms, is mostly a treatable form of cancer. With modern and effective treatments, many patients have a good chance of recovery. Let's explore more about this condition.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is a walnut-size gland related to the male reproductive system. It is responsible for producing seminal fluid that drives semen through the urethra during ejaculation. The prostate can often get larger due to aging, with no complications involved.  

Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that begins in the prostate cells. It is one of the most common types of cancer among males after skin cancer. When the cancer is diagnosed early, while it is still in the gland, the treatment has a very high chance of success. 

The majority of patients have a gradually developing form of cancer, which gives them good chances for recovery. Yet, there are also more progressive forms, which require aggressive prostate cancer treatment as soon as possible, after the cancer cells have been defined. 

What Are The Reasons for Prostate Cancer?

Although researched through and through, the causes of prostate cancer still can’t be clearly defined (as well as for other cancer forms). Cancer develops when there are specific changes in the gland cells – when they become abnormal, they lead to prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, which can soon turn into cancer. The cells can be low-grade – unlikely to grow and spread, or high-grade cells – tend to grow and spread and, thus, be cancerous. 

Among possible causes are:

• Age – as a rule, prostate cancer occurs after the age of 50. That’s why regular checkups after reaching fifty are sensible and life-saving. 

• Family history – if there is someone with prostate cancer in a family line, there are chances to have it diagnosed later in the years. 

• Genetic mutations – genetic mutations of BRCA1 and BRCA2 can lead to prostate cancer (and breast cancer as well). 

• Diet – some doctors suggest that diets high in fats may complement the risk factor; it doesn’t have a direct influence though. 

• Lifestyle – inactive lifestyle, smoking, alcohol addiction – all factors can deteriorate the overall health condition and stimulate the development of prostate cancer.

• Sexually transmitted diseases and prostate inflammation (non-treated).

• Exposure to chemicals. 

Are Transsexual People In The Risk Group As Well?

Prostate cancer can trigger every person born with a prostate. Those who were not born with a prostate, can’t develop prostate cancer. 

Although trans-women have estrogen hormone therapy, which lowers the chances of prostate cancer, it doesn’t prevent prostate cancer. 

Prostate Cancer Signs And Symptoms

Early prostate cancer rarely shows itself, unless the person is highly sensitive to the slightest changes in the body. Yet, regular screening can help. 

More advanced cancer, however, is more ‘symptom-loaded’:

• Frequent and often painful urination.

• Blood in urine or/and in semen.

• Weak urine flow, with stops.

• Pain in the back and pelvis.

• Weak legs.

• ‘Unreasonable’ weight loss.

• Constant fatigue. 

How Can Prostate Cancer Be Diagnosed?

Prostate cancer requires a few methods to be used, to see the big picture:

1. PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test measures the PSA levels and the proteins formed by normal and cancerous cells. The test is never definitive, thus, it is better used with other diagnostic methods. 

2. A digital rectal examination – can be performed to check for abnormalities in the rectum, anus, and prostate gland. 

3. Biopsy – a removal of small pieces of prostate tissue, which is later examined under a microscope. It can detect the disease and the level of its aggressiveness. 

4. MRI, and CT – common forms of advanced scanning, which show if the cancer is only in the prostate or has further growth. 

How Can Prostate Cancer Be Treated?

The treatment of prostate cancer depends on its stage and involves multiple parameters. 

1. Operation

Provided the cancer cells have not spread further than the prostate gland, the surgeons eliminate it with the help of prostatectomy or a less invasive form of surgery. 

2. Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy exploits radiation to kill the cancerous cells that are still in the prostate and hasn’t spread far. It helps to slow down the disease progression and alleviate the symptoms. 

3. Hormones

According to numerous studies, testosterone can be responsible for the growth of cancerous cells. With the help of hormonal treatment, its levels get lower, stopping the progression of a disease. As an alternative, there is also a testicle removal, yet, not all the patients can agree to this procedure. 

4. Chemotherapy 

Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that spreads further than the prostate tissues. 

5. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy prevents the cells from growing, dividing, and further spreading. The treatment is based on the DNA of specific cancer cells of the patient, and the drugs that can target them. 

Prostate cancer is one of the fears men after 50 can face, yet, with relevant and timely treatment this form of cancer has a high rate of survival. Don’t take chances and schedule a regular checkup with the urologist.