Overview/Introduction
PROSTATE CANCER- Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that affects the prostate glands, a part in the reproductive system, in men and people assigned male at birth(AMAB). The function of the prostate gland is to produce a fluid which mixes with semen, therefore keeping the sperm healthy for conception and pregnancy. Prostate cancer occurs when the cells of the prostate begin to grow uncontrollably.
The prostate gland is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
When early detection and diagnosis is done, it can be treated successfully.
Key Facts & Statistics
- Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer. Among cancer types that affect men, it comes second to skin cancer.
- Almost 34,000 individuals die from prostate cancer annually in the US.
- According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), 13 in every 100 people with prostates will develop prostate cancer.
- Around 1 in every 8 males will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis, at some point of their life.
- Nearly 50% of all male individuals have prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia, which are abnormal changes that occur in prostate gland cells.
Risk Factors
What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
- Sex. Being male. According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC), 13 in every 100 people with prostates will develop prostate cancer.
- Race and ethnicity. Blacks and people of African ancestry are at higher risk.
- Family history of prostate cancer.
- Genetics. People who have inherited mutated genes associated with increased risk for breast cancer(BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes). Also, presence of Lynch syndrome is a genetic risk factor.
Other potential risk factors according to various studies conducted over the years are:
- Obesity(having higher Body Mass Index(BMI) ranges, such as BMI over 30)
- Sexually transmitted infections
- Smoking
- Exposure to agent orange, which is a chemical that was used during the Vietnam War.
- Prostatitis(inflammation of the prostate)
- Consumption of alcohol
Causes
What are the causes of prostate cancer?
Researchers and scientists are still uncertain about the exact cause of this cancer.
It has been shown to develop due to changes that take place in the glandular cells.
Abnormal prostate gland cells may be referred to as prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia(PIN)
Signs & Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer?
Rarely does early-stage prostate cancer present any notable symptoms.
The following symptoms are observable as the condition progresses:
- Dysuria. Painful or burning sensation when passing urine.
- Urinary incontinence, which simply refers to loss of bladder control.
- Painful ejaculation.
- Erectile dysfunction(ED)
- Hematospermia, which is presence of blood stains in semen.
- Frequent, urgent need for urination especially at night.
- Weak urine flow
- Pain in the lower back, hips or chest.
Types
What are the types of prostate cancer?
- Adenocarcinoma. This is the most common type of prostate cancer.
- Small cell carcinomas.
- Transitional cell carcinomas.
- Sarcomas.
- Neuroendocrine tumors.
Diagnostic Procedures & Tests
How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
Screening is an important tool to help in early detection of many cancers, prostate cancer being included.
Screening tests for prostate cancer include:
- Digital rectal exam. The healthcare provider inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum then feels the prostate gland from there. Hard regions or bumps may suggest cancer.
- Prostate-specific antigen test. PSA test checks for a protein called prostate-specific antigen, which is a tumor marker for prostate cancer. Higher than normal levels may indicate presence of prostate cancer, or other conditions such as prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH).
Diagnostic procedures for prostate cancer:
- Additional tests conducted to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer include:
- Imaging. Magnetic Resonance Imaging or a transrectal ultrasound of the prostate glands.
- Biopsy. Needle biopsy for testing in a lab for cancer.
Treatment and Management
Is prostate cancer curable?
Yes, if detected in its earlier stages, prostate cancer can be cured. Treatment can eliminate prostate cancers that have not yet metastasized.
How is prostate cancer treated?
Treatment involves various specialists such as urologists radiation oncologists and medical oncologists.
Specific procedures involved are:
Surveillance, where the healthcare practitioner monitors the patient’s condition to check if the cancer grows slowly without spreading.
Surgical procedures;
- Open radical prostatectomy
- Robotic radical prostatectomy
Radiation therapy such as;
- External beam radiation therapy(EBRT)
- Brachytherapy
Systemic therapies such as;
- Hormone therapy.
- Chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy.
- Targeted therapy
Focal therapy
- Cryotherapy
- Photodynamic therapy
- Laser ablation
Side Effects
What are the side effects of prostate cancer treatment?
- Infertility
- Incontinence
- Erectile dysfunction(ED)
Prevention
How do we prevent prostate cancer ?
- Regular screening tests.
- Maintain healthy weight ranges.
- Perform regular physical exercise.
- Consume organic and nutritious diets and avoid taking in processed foods.
- Quit smoking and avoid using tobacco products.