Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that appears in the prostate gland, a little gland in males that is situated below the bladder. It is the second most common type of cancer among men worldwide, with over 1.4 million cases diagnosed each year. While prostate cancer can be a serious disease, it is often slow-growing and may not cause symptoms until it has spread to other parts of the body.
What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
Key Symptoms of prostate cancer are:
- Difficulty while urinating
- Urine flow that is erratic or weak
- Frequently urinating, especially at night
- Having trouble fully emptying the bladder
- Urination may cause burning or pain
- Blood in urine
- Persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
- Uncomfortable ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction
Screening For Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer screening involves testing men who have no symptoms of the disease to check for the presence of cancer. The two main tests used to screen for prostate cancer are the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and the digital rectal exam (DRE).
The PSA test measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate gland, in the blood. Elevated PSA levels may indicate the presence of prostate cancer, although other conditions, such as an enlarged prostate or a urinary tract infection, can also cause elevated PSA levels. The DRE involves a healthcare provider inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any lumps or abnormalities in the prostate gland.
Experts recommend that men have a conversation with their healthcare provider about the potential benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening at age 50. For men at higher risk, such as those with a family history of prostate cancer, the recommended age for starting the conversation about screening is 45 years.
Benefits and Risks of Prostate Cancer Screening
The main benefit of prostate cancer screening is that it can detect the disease early, when it is more likely to be treatable. However, screening also has potential risks, such as false-positive results, which can lead to unnecessary biopsies and anxiety, as well as overdiagnosis and overtreatment of slow-growing cancers that may not have caused harm if left untreated.
It's important for men to have a conversation with their healthcare provider about their individual risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening before making a decision. Factors that can affect the decision include age, family history, and overall health status.
Also Read: What Are the Different Types of Cancer A Quick Guide
Treatment for Prostate Cancer
If prostate cancer is detected through screening or other means, treatment options will depend on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient's age and overall health, and the patient's preferences.
Treatment options for prostate cancer may include:
Active surveillance: Monitoring the cancer closely with regular PSA tests and biopsies, and treating it only if it shows signs of growth or progression.
Surgery: Removing the prostate gland and surrounding tissue.
Radiation therapy: Applying high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
Hormone therapy: Blocking the production or action of male hormones, which can help slow the growth of prostate cancer.
Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells.
The decision about which treatment option to choose will depend on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient's age and overall health, and the patient's preferences.
PSA testing is often wise if you have a greater than average chance of developing prostate cancer. However, not all men need to be screened.
After considering the advantages and disadvantages of screening, your age, general health, risk factors, personal preferences, and what the experts have to say, consult your doctor. By cooperating, you may choose what is best for you.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
