Prostate Cancer Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and More

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. It is normally very slow growing and rarely leads to death if caught and treated early. If diagnosed and treated early, cancer can often be cured completely. The prostate is a small gland near the base of the bladder. The main function of the prostate is to produce a fluid that contains substances that contribute to semen. About 1 in 7 men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime. Most cases occur in men over the age of 50, but they can occur in younger men.

Risk factors for Prostate Cancer

Men over 50 have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. However, it is

Very rare in men under 40 years old, prostate cancer is more common in men whose close relatives have had the disease, particularly if diagnosed at a younger age.

This suggests that some men are genetically more likely to develop prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is more common in black Caribbean men and men of Asian descent. It’s also more common in Hispanic men living in the US and the UK. Lifestyle research has suggested that a diet high in red meat and low in fibre may increase the risk of prostate cancer. Obese men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than men of a healthy weight. Men who are physically active appear to have a lower risk of prostate cancer than men who have a sedentary lifestyle. History of prostate cancer, men whose close relatives have had prostate cancer are more likely to also develop the condition.

Signs and symptoms of Prostate Cancer

There are no specific signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. However, men should be aware of changes that could suggest the disease, including discomfort or pain during urination. This may be caused by an enlarged prostate pressing on the bladder, blood in the urine or semen this is uncommon, and any blood should be investigated. Difficulty in urinating, this is often a result of an enlarged prostate. Pain in the back, hips or thighs this may be caused by bone metastases. Fatigue, this could be a result of the treatment. Loss of appetite - This is sometimes related to treatment, particularly over a short period of time, can be an early sign of advanced prostate cancer.

Treatments and management of Prostate Cancer

The main treatment options for prostate cancer are watchful waiting, surgery and radiotherapy. Watchful waiting is appropriate for men who have an initial diagnosis of prostate cancer, who are older than 65 years of age, or for men whose prostate cancer is at such an early stage that it would not be expected to cause them any significant problems.

Surgery to remove the prostate is the standard treatment for men whose prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate. There are different types of radiotherapy that can be used to treat prostate cancer. Surgery or radiotherapy may result in an enlarged bladder. This can often be managed by using injections to relieve bladder pressures. For men whose prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body, palliative care may be appropriate. This type of care provides support and advice for living with advanced disease.

What are the key signs to look out for

As there are no specific signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, men should be aware of changes that could suggest the disease. What are the key risk factors? Age, family history, ethnicity, diet and lifestyle, physical activity, and family history of prostate cancer. Should I be tested for prostate cancer? Men aged between 50 and 69 years should have an NHS-funded test for prostate cancer every 2 years. Men aged between 40 and 49 years should be offered an initial test, with another in 3 years. If I have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, what treatment options are available? The main treatment options for prostate cancer are watchful waiting, surgery and radiotherapy. How can prostate cancer be prevented? Men can reduce their risk of prostate cancer by maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle and taking care of themselves, also if something isn’t feeling right they should see their doctor.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Men over 40 should be aware of the risk factors and signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. The main treatment options are watchful waiting,