What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that occurs in the prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. It's one of the most common types of cancer in men. While some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Are Common Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

In its early stages, prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms. In more advanced stages, it may cause signs and symptoms such as:

• Trouble urinating

• Decreased force in the stream of urine

• Blood in the semen

• Discomfort in the pelvic area

• Bone pain

• Erectile dysfunction

 

Can We Prevent Prostate Cancer?

There's no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, but you can possibly reduce your risk by:

• Choosing a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables

• Exercising most days of the week

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Talking to your doctor about your risk

 

How Do We Diagnose Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is often detected through screening tests before symptoms arise, including:

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: Higher PSA levels may suggest prostate cancer.

• Digital rectal exam (DRE): The doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to check for abnormalities.

If these tests suggest cancer, further investigations like a biopsy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

 

What Treatment Options Are Available for Prostate Cancer?

Treatment options for prostate cancer depend on several factors, including the cancer's stage and your overall health. They may include:

• Active surveillance or watchful waiting for less aggressive cancers

• Surgery to remove the prostate

• Radiation therapy

• Hormone therapy to block the production of hormones that fuel cancer growth

• Chemotherapy

• Biological therapy that uses your body's immune system to fight cancer

• Cryotherapy or cryosurgery to freeze and kill cancer cells

The choice of treatment is personalized, often involving a combination of these methods to effectively target the cancer.