Brief overview of prostate cancer symptoms
Prostate cancer may initially be asymptomatic. Most cases are identified early while the cancer remains confined to the prostate. Typically, early-stage prostate cancer does not exhibit noticeable symptoms. When symptoms occur, they may include:
- Blood in the urine can make it appear pink, red, or cola-colored.
- Blood in the semen.
- Frequent urination.
- Difficulty starting urination.
- Urinate more often at night.
If prostate cancer spreads, additional symptoms may develop. When it extends to other parts of the body, it is called metastatic prostate cancer, also known as stage 4 or advanced prostate cancer. Signs and symptoms of advanced prostate cancer can include:
- Back pain.
- Bone pain.
- Fatigue.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Weakness in the arms or legs.
What is prostate cancer exactly?
Prostate cancer involves the uncontrolled growth of cells in the prostate, a small gland responsible for semen production, situated just below the bladder. It is a component of the male reproductive system.
Prostate cancer ranks among the most common types of cancer. It is typically detected early and tends to grow slowly. The majority of individuals with prostate cancer are cured. While it is a serious illness, it remains quite common. Out of every 100 men, about 13 will develop prostate cancer at some point in their lives. Fortunately, most cases are identified before the cancer spreads beyond the prostate gland, and treatment at this stage can often remove the tumor. Nonetheless, around 35,770 people in the United States die annually from prostate cancer.
People diagnosed with early prostate cancer often face numerous treatment options. Learning about all the choices and making a decision can be overwhelming. These treatments may include surgery, radiation therapy, or a careful monitoring approach to observe if the cancer progresses.
If prostate cancer extends beyond the prostate or metastasizes to other areas, numerous treatment options remain available. Cancers that have spread can be more complex to treat effectively. Nonetheless, even if a cure is not achievable, treatments can still delay cancer progression and improve your lifespan.
What are the underlying causes of prostate cancer?
The causes of prostate cancer are often unclear. While healthcare professionals recognize risk factors like advanced age, obesity, and family history, the precise cause usually remains unknown.
Prostate cancer starts when cells in the prostate experience DNA changes. A cell’s DNA holds the instructions that regulate its behavior. In healthy cells, DNA guides their growth and multiplication in a controlled manner. It also signals when cells should die.
In cancer cells, DNA mutations send abnormal signals that promote rapid growth and division. Unlike healthy cells, cancer cells can persist and proliferate, leading to an overproduction of cells.
Cancer cells can develop into a mass known as a tumor. This tumor can enlarge, invade surrounding tissues, and harm healthy tissues. Over time, cancer cells may detach and metastasize to other regions of the body. When this occurs, it is called metastatic cancer.
What are the potential risk factors?
Factors that could increase the risk of prostate cancer include:
- Older age: raises the risk of prostate cancer, which is most common in men over 50.
- Race and ethnicity: Doctors are uncertain about the reasons. For Black individuals, prostate cancer tends to grow faster or be more advanced at diagnosis.
- Family history of prostate cancer: can raise your risk. If a blood relative, like a parent or sibling, has prostate cancer, your risk may be higher. It could also increase if other close relatives, such as grandparents or your parents’ siblings, have had the disease.
- Family history of DNA changes: Some inherited DNA alterations can increase cancer risk. Mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2 are notably associated with higher risks of breast, ovarian, and prostate cancers.
- Obesity: can increase the risk of prostate cancer, with obese individuals often experiencing faster tumor growth and higher chances of recurrence after treatment. However, research findings on this link have been mixed.
- Smoking tobacco: has been associated with prostate cancer in some studies, though not all agree. Individuals with prostate cancer who smoke might have a higher chance of cancer recurrence. Moreover, smokers are more likely to experience the cancer spreading beyond the prostate.
How do doctors diagnose prostate cancer?
Doctors diagnose prostate cancer using screening tests, physical exams, scans, and sometimes biopsies. Most individuals start screening around age 55 or earlier if they face higher risks. If initial results show abnormalities, further testing may be needed. However, if your doctor thinks the tumor is slow-growing and unlikely to cause problems, they might postpone additional tests. If prostate cancer is suspected on initial testing, a biopsy is generally required to confirm the diagnosis.
Screening tests can include:
- Digital rectal exam: Your doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum to examine your prostate. Any bumps or hard areas could suggest cancer.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test: measures a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels may indicate cancer, but they can also rise due to benign conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis.
- Imaging: such as MRI or transrectal ultrasound, can create detailed pictures of your prostate gland, highlighting any suspicious regions that could be cancerous. These results help your doctor determine if a biopsy is needed.
- Biopsy: It is the only definitive method to confirm prostate cancer and assess its aggressiveness. Genetic testing of the sample may also help guide treatment decisions.
What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?
Your treatment depends on several factors, including your overall health, whether the cancer has spread, and how quickly it is advancing. Based on your treatment plan, you may work with various doctors, including urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists. Most prostate cancers diagnosed early can be cured with proper treatment.
The treatment options available are:
- Surgery: can often successfully eliminate prostate cancers that haven’t spread. Your doctor will recommend the most appropriate surgical approach if they believe it will be beneficial.
- Radiation therapy: may be used either alone to treat prostate cancer or in combination with other medications. It can also help alleviate symptoms.
- Hormone therapy: involves using medication to reduce or block testosterone levels, which promotes prostate cancer growth. In some cases, individuals may undergo orchiectomy to remove their testicles and stop testosterone production.
- Chemotherapy: involves drugs that destroy cancer cells. It can be administered by itself or alongside hormone therapy for advanced cases. If the cancer has spread beyond your prostate, you might receive chemotherapy alone or in combination with hormone therapy.
- Immunotherapy: boosts your immune system, aiding it in recognizing and attacking cancer cells more effectively. It is commonly used for advanced or recurring cancer, which means cancer that disappears but then returns.
- Targeted therapy: aims at genetic mutations responsible for cancer and is particularly effective for tumors with BRCA mutations.
- Focal therapy: is a newer treatment that targets and destroys tumors within the prostate. Your healthcare provider might suggest this option if the cancer is low risk and confined. However, many of these treatments are still considered experimental.
What steps can be taken to prevent prostate cancer?
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, you can lower your risk by:
- Choose a healthy diet: by eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Limit your intake of animal fats.
- Increase your consumption of nutritious foods: and cut out unhealthy and junk foods from your diet.
- Aim to exercise: on most days of the week. Exercise may also enhance your overall health and lift your mood. Strive for regular activity on most days.
- Maintain a healthy weight: by preserving your current weight if it is already healthy. Prioritize a nutritious diet and engage in regular exercise most days.
- Avoid smoking: If you currently smoke, consult a healthcare professional for assistance in quitting.
- Medications to lower prostate cancer: risk can be considered if you are at high risk. Talk with your doctor about options like 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, including finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart), which are mainly used for prostate gland enlargement. But these medications may be associated with a higher incidence of high-grade tumors, and they are not routinely recommended solely for the prevention of prostate cancer.
Don’t Ignore the Signs of Prostate Cancer
Early detection can save your life. Learn how to recognize prostate cancer symptoms, understand your risk, and take timely action to prevent tumor spread.
Check your SymptomsLiving with prostate cancer
Learning about a prostate cancer diagnosis can evoke many feelings and questions. The encouraging news is that early detection often means the cancer is highly treatable, and many people go on to lead healthy, cancer-free lives post-treatment. Nonetheless, some cancers can be more aggressive and spread quickly. Your healthcare team will support you in understanding your options and guiding you through each phase, from screening to treatment, with personalized care tailored to your goals. Strive to gather sufficient information to feel confident in your treatment decisions. Reach out to your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare providers for trusted resources to start with. Take care of yourself by eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, staying active on most days, and getting enough sleep each night to feel energized.
FAQS
What are the possible side effects of treating prostate cancer?
Potential side effects of prostate cancer treatment include: Urinary incontinence, which may lead to urine leakage when coughing or laughing, or a sudden urge to urinate even when the bladder isn’t full. Erectile dysfunction (ED) might also occur, as surgery and medications can affect erections. Your sexual activity may be impacted for one or two years. Medications like sildenafil (Viagra®) or tadalafil (Cialis®) can assist by boosting blood flow to the penis. Concerning fertility, treatments might influence sperm production or ejaculation, so consider banking sperm before starting therapy if you hope to have children. After treatment, sperm retrieval and IUI (intrauterine insemination) or IVF (in vitro fertilization) are possible options. Inform your cancer care team of any side effects, since they can often recommend medications or procedures to help.
What are the common signs and outcomes if you are diagnosed with prostate cancer?
Having a positive outlook when prostate cancer is detected early is common. Nearly all (99%) diagnosed before it spreads survive at least 5 years after diagnosis. Often, treatment can eliminate remaining cancer in the prostate. However, if the cancer spreads, survival rates drop significantly, with only 32% of those with metastatic prostate cancer surviving five years after diagnosis.
What self-care steps should I follow if I have prostate cancer?
Be aware of any restrictions. When scheduling your appointment, ask whether there’s anything you need to do beforehand, such as adjusting your diet. Write down all symptoms, even those that seem unrelated to your reason for visiting. Record critical personal details, such as principal stresses or recent life changes. Make a list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking. Consider bringing a family member or friend; they can help recall details discussed during the appointment. Prepare a list of questions to ask your doctor.
When is the appropriate time for men to get screened for prostate cancer?
Generally, men should talk to their doctors about starting screenings at age 50. This first screening is vital, as PSA levels from it will determine how often they need follow-up tests. Screening intervals depend on PSA level, age, risk factors, and shared decision-making between the doctor and patient. For men at high risk of prostate cancer, guidelines suggest consulting their doctors about beginning annual screenings at age 45.
Who is at the highest risk of developing prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer risk tends to rise after age 50. Race plays a role, with African American men at higher risk of diagnosis and mortality than Caucasian men. Genetics also matters; having a family history increases the likelihood, but it doesn’t guarantee you will develop the disease.
