Top 6 Frequently Asked Questions on Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland that produces seminal fluid. This fluid nourishes and transports the sperm. Prostrate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, which usually grows slowly and is confined to the gland. But sometimes, the growth of cancer cells can be aggressive and may spread quickly. This form of cancer is highly treatable if diagnosed in the early stages.
Frequently asked questions about prostate cancer
Prostate cancer affects close to 3 million men in the country every year. But, as it’s a complex condition, one might have a few questions. So, read further to know more about this condition.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer begins when the growth of cells in the prostate gland becomes out of control. It is a disease in which these cancer cells form in the tissues of the prostate gland leading to certain complications such as frequent urination or weak urine flow.
Is prostate cancer common?
Prostate cancer is one of the most common non-skin types of cancer in men. Further, it’s also the 4th most common tumor diagnosed across the world. In the country alone, 1 in every eight men will likely be diagnosed with the condition. Moreover, a man is more likely to develop prostate cancer than colon, kidney, or stomach cancers.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
In most cases, prostate cancer may not show many symptoms in the early stages. However, in advanced stages, it can show symptoms such as blood in the urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, bone pain, loss of weight, painful ejaculation, and constant pain in the hips, back, or pelvis.
What are the causes of prostate cancer?
The definite cause of prostate cancer is yet unknown. But a few risk factors increase the probability of a person developing this condition. Some of these factors include:
Age
As one grows older, their chances of developing prostate cancer increase. In most cases, the risk of developing the condition increases rapidly in men aged 50 or older. Moreover, around 6 in 10 cases of prostate cancer are found in men aged 65 or older.
Race/ethnicity
Although unclear, the development of prostate cancer is usually noticed more in African American men and Caribbean men of African ancestry. This condition is also found to be less common in Asian American and Hispanic/Latino men compared to Caucasians.
Genes/family history
Multiple research has found that prostate cancer is hereditary. This suggests the involvement of genetic factors in the development of the condition. So, if one has a male family member with this condition, it doubles their risk of developing prostate cancer in the future. However, with the involvement of multiple family members with the condition, the risk increases significantly as well.
Chemical exposure
Some evidence suggests that men working in conditions with exposure to chemicals increases their risk of developing prostate cancer. This has been noticed widely in the case of firefighters who may be exposed to chemicals during their employment.
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
Most prostate cancers are usually found as a result of screening which includes tests such as
Digital rectal exam (DRE)
During this test, the doctor might insert a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to examine the prostate. In cases where abnormalities like texture, size, or shape of the gland are found, the patient may be advised for further tests.
Prostate Specefic Antigen (PSA)
In PSA, a blood sample is drawn from the veins and is sent for analysis of PSA, a substance naturally found in the prostate gland. Even though it’s normal for small amounts of PSA to be found in the bloodstream, a higher amount may indicate prostate infections, enlargement of cancer, or inflammation.
If the screening tests detect any abnormality, the patient will be recommended further tests to determine the development of prostate cancer. Some of the tests are – Ultrasound, Magnetic resonance Imaging (MRI), and collection of prostate tissue samples. Furthermore, a prostate biopsy might also be suggested by the doctor.
What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?
The management options for prostate cancer involve various factors such as overall health, cancer growth, and its spread. Here are some of them:
Surgery
This treatment method, also known as radical prostatectomy, involves the removal of the prostate gland along with the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. This method may work in cases where the cancer is confined to the area. Further, this method, in combination with other treatments, is also used in the advanced stages of the condition.
Radiation therapy
In radiation therapy, high-powered energy is employed to kill cancer cells. This can be done in the form of two methods – external beam radiation or brachytherapy. On the one hand, external beam radiation must be undergone five times a week for several weeks. On the other hand, brachytherapy involves placing radioactive sources in the prostate tissue. This rice-sized radioactive seed delivers a low radiation dose over a long period.
Freezing or heating of prostate tissue
In cases where surgery isn’t an option, this therapy method is considered to treat small amounts of cancer. Moreover, this method can be used to treat advanced stage prevalent cancer when the other treatment methods have shown no response.
Freezing prostate tissue
This involves the usage of very cold gas to freeze the prostate tissue. Afterward, it is left to thaw. A repeated cycle of freezing and thawing helps kill cancer tissues.
Heating prostate tissue
Here, high-intensity focused ultrasound is used to heat the cancer tissues and cause them to die.
Final thoughts
Prostate cancer is a highly treatable and extremely common disease, and patients are advised to seek the advice of a doctor for early diagnosis and treatment.