Prostate Cancer Symptoms and Causes: On the occasion of International Men’s Day on 19th November, it is relevant to highlight the critical issue of prostate cancer, hitherto rather neglected. Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among men in the world but is frequently ignored or misunderstood.
According to Dr. Mohan K, Consultant – Urology, Transplant & Laparoscopic Surgery, Manipal Hospital Millers Road, in raising awareness of the need to address prostate health, we seek to present a few facts and sweat the health of men who should know more about this disease, its early signs, and past and present anti-men health campaigns.
Facts of Prostate Cancer that you must know
Prostate Cancer is Very Common
Prostate cancer can be classified as the second most common and lethal cancer among men on the planet after skin cancer. It is commonly observed in elderly men above the age of 50-60 years. But, if there is a family history of prostate cancer, then it can occur as early as 40-50 years as well. In fact, the lifetime risk of getting prostate cancer is estimated at about 12.5% or about 1 in 8 men, which is fairly high. Although what exactly triggers it is yet uncertain, advancing age, hereditary aspects, ethnicity, and way of living are known risk factors.
The Risk Increases Significantly with Age
Out of 100 diagnosed men with prostate cancer, 50% of them are aged 65 or above. Prostate cancer is also at risk for patients which possess familial links. A generalized statement can be made that prostate cancer risk increases significantly after the age of fifty.
There is No Specific Symptoms for Prostate Cancer
Symptoms, although, may manifest as the cancer grows in the body in the later stages, look for signs varying from simple burning in urine, blood in urine, difficulty in passing urine to low back aches and pelvic bone pains.
Early Stages Do Not Usually Have Symptoms
One of the difficulties encountered in the diagnosis of prostate cancer is the insidious nature of its onset as no signs or symptoms are present in the early stages. This is due to the anatomical location of the prostate with respect to other organs, as well as in view that the size of the tumor is small, it is unlikely to create significant discomfort or functional alterations. The cancer invading other tissues may lead to some symptoms including problems with urination where a man has to urinate frequently during the night, and also blood in urine or semen as well as difficulty in maintaining an erection.
Timely Screening is Life Saving
As the early stage of prostate cancer does not have any symptoms, there is a need to carry out mass screenings. The two most common approaches utilized for this purpose are the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal exam (DRE). A PSA test is done to determine the elevated levels of a protein produced by the prostate in order to establish if there is prostate cancer or other prostate disorders. The frequency of screening has been associated with a high percentage
of early detection that ultimately results in improved prognosis.
Survival Rates Are High for Those Who Are Caught Early
When it comes to prostate cancer, the disease is easily treatable at an early stage. From information gathered from the American Cancer Society, the 5-year relative survival rate for localized prostate cancer (cancer that is restricted to the prostate) is close to 100%. This illustrates the significance of early diagnosis and treatment since as soon as the cancer penetrates into other parts of the body, the chances of survival drop substantially.
Family History and Genetics Play an Important Role
Having a personal and family history of prostate cancer will increase risk, especially if it occurred to a first-degree male relative – father or brother. There is some evidence that increased risk is associated with mutations in specific genes, notably BRCA1 and BRCA2. Patients with these risk factors may consider discussing their personal risk with a genetic counselor and seek screening earlier in life than others.
Lifestyle Choices Can Affect Risk
Some risks, such as age and genetics, cannot be controlled, while lifestyle can play a part in decreasing the risk of prostate cancer. A diet high in fruit, vegetables, and whole grains may lower the risk for cancer. Exercise, maintain a healthy weight, and minimize your intake of red and processed meats for good prostate health.
Advances in Treatment Are Improving Outcomes
Treatment for prostate cancer has completely transformed and now encompasses robotics, hormone therapy, and immunotherapy. The treatment used these days is much more precise and less side-effect-oriented, thus permitting individuals to lead a better quality of life. Another trend incorporated into the list is active surveillance-cases of low risk are monitored by doctors instead of treating with both hands to avoid unneeded interventions.
Mental and Emotional Health Is On Par with the Rest
Being diagnosed with prostate cancer would likely be a life-altering experience, which could really affect a male’s mental and emotional well-being. Anxiety, depression, and feeling isolated are not uncommon; therefore, discussions between family, friends, and specialists, including psychiatrists, are all important. Added assistance comes from support groups, allowing men and their families to associate with others who are experiencing similar trauma.
How to manage prostate cancer?
The best way to identify prostate cancer in the early stage is regular annual check-ups (blood test, digital rectal examination, ultrasound of Abdomen & pelvis, uroflowmetry) in all men above 50 years of age (> 40 years if there is a family history of prostate cancer). If a suspicious mass is identified, then one may require an MRI prostate and then a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) prostate biopsy to diagnose prostate cancer. Since CA prostate is a slow-growing cancer, you need not panic after diagnosis.
“If the cancer is not spread at the time of diagnosis, then it can be cured with surgery (radical prostatectomy) and radiation therapy. Even if the cancer is spread at the time of diagnosis, it can be easily controlled with simple hormone treatment therapy, especially in men above 70 years. Prostate cancer awareness often suffers from the stigma attached to talking about men’s health issues,” Dr. Mohan K, Consultant – Urology, Transplant & Laparoscopic Surgery,
Manipal Hospital Millers Road told Financial Express.com.
This International Men’s Day is but one moment when such barriers are broken down and avenues of open conversation opened to make men take their health seriously, he highlighted.
“We can empower them to take proactive steps in managing their well-being by just creating a supportive environment where men feel they can discuss anything under their gowns. Prostate cancer affects millions of men and families around the world. Let us come together on Nov 19th to support research and raise awareness, to motivate each of them to take better care of themselves. In the war against prostate cancer, early detection, lifestyle changes, and openness can really make a difference,” he told Financial Express.com.