Being diagnosed with prostate cancer may trigger a whole range of feelings and emotions, including fear, anxiety, depression, and disbelief. While everyone finds their own way to cope with such a diagnosis, having a clearer understanding of what it means to suffer from prostate cancer or how it can be managed is bound to help.
Background
1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer at some point in their life, and it is the second leading cause of non-skin cancer in men worldwide. Approximately 42% of all Prostate Cancer occurs in men aged 50 years old and the majority of cases are seen in men aged 65 and above.
What Causes Prostate Cancer?
If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, your mind is probably racing, trying to figure out what happened. What went wrong? What could have been done differently to avoid this happening?
Collectively, they know that various factors, such as one’s racial background, geographical location, family history, and age. Along with other added factors, such as smoking, being obese, and consuming too much calcium, seems to be constant factors in more aggressive cases of prostate cancer — although it has to be said that several of these factors are also commonly associated with many other health problems.
What are the warning signs of prostate cancer?
Unfortunately, with Prostate Cancer there aren’t usually any early warning signs, the growing tumour does not push against anything to cause pain, so for many years, the disease may be dormant – that’s why screening for Prostate Cancer is such a hot topic for all men and their families.
While typically there are no early warning signs with Prostate Cancer there are a number of telltale signs that you can look out for, and these may include
- A need to urinate frequently, especially at night, some- times urgently
- Difficulty starting or holding back urination
- Weak, dribbling, or interrupted flow of urine
- Painful or burning urination
- Difficulty in having an erection
- A decrease in the amount of fluid ejaculated
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pressure or pain in the rectum
- Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, pelvis, or thighs
But, remember: urinary symptoms, don’t necessarily mean you have cancer. Prostatitis or BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy, also known as enlargement of the prostate) are benign diseases that can also cause similar symptoms and are also very common.
If you’re in any doubt or concerned in any way contact your doctor for an immediate evaluation and possible screening – which is particularly relevant if you’re over the age of 45 or if there is any history of cancer among your male and female relatives.
Treatment options
Doctors treating prostate cancer have a wide range of tools and technology at their disposal and will work with the patient to design a treatment plan that gives them the greatest chance of enjoying a long life while at the same time managing any side effects and preserving prostate function. A man diagnosed with localised or locally advanced prostate cancer has 3 major treatment options:
Active Surveillance
Active Surveillance has increasingly emerged as a viable option for men who decide not to undergo immediate radical treatment for prostate cancer surgery or radiation therapy.
Surgery
Radical Prostatectomy – removing the entire prostate gland through surgery, known as radical prostatectomy, is a common option for men whose cancer has not spread.
Hormone Therapy
Because testosterone serves as the main fuel for prostate cancer cell growth, it’s a common target for treatment. Hormone therapy (also called androgen deprivation therapy or ADT) is part of the standard of care for advanced and metastatic prostate cancer.
Choosing the best treatment
Deciding which is the best treatment for localised or locally advanced prostate cancer is generally based on age, the stage and grade of cancer, the patient’s general health, and an evaluation of the risks and benefits of each therapy option.
Survival rates
Cancer is a frightening possibility, and while prostate cancer incidence rates are high and continue to grow, early detection saves lives.
The earlier you find out about cancer, the greater the likelihood you have of it being successfully treated. Prostate cancer, in particular, is almost 99% treatable if detected early.
About Cancer Pro
CANCER PRO is the voice of the world’s cancer physicians and oncology professionals, that offers trusted, compassionate information for people with cancer, their families and caregivers. To learn more information on prostate cancer, please visit https://www.cancer-pro.com/types-of-cancer/prostate-cancer/
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