Transforming cancer care in Africa
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men that starts in the prostate. The prostate gland is a small, walnut-sized organ located in a man's pelvis, below the bladder and in front of the rectum.
It is a crucial part of the male reproductive system that produces seminal fluid, helps transport semen during ejaculation, surrounds the urethra, and is involved in sexual function.
Experts are unsure what causes cells in the prostate to become cancerous. Prostate cancer, like all cancers, develops when cells divide more rapidly than usual. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells do not die. Instead, they multiply and grow into a lump known as a tumor.
Parts of the tumor may separate and metastasis (move to other places of your body) as the cells continue to multiply.
Fortunately, prostate cancer generally grows slowly. Most tumors are detected before cancer advances beyond the prostate. Prostate cancer is very much treatable at this stage.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
The following risk factors may increase the chances of prostate cancer even though experts do not yet fully understand the cause:
Age: The most common risk factor is age. The likelihood of developing prostate cancer increases with age.
Race: Compared to men of other races, black men are more likely to develop prostate cancer. Black men are considerably more likely than other men to acquire prostate cancer at a younger age and are twice as likely to die from it.
Family History of Prostate Cancer (Genetic Risk Factors): Your risk may increase if a blood related, such as a parent, brother, or child, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. In addition, your chance of developing prostate cancer may be increased if you inherit the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene or have a strong family history of breast cancer.
Although certain studies have identified other prostate cancer risk factors, the evidence is unclear. Other potential risk factors may include:
Obesity (Having a BMI > 30) , Smoking , Alcohol consumption , Prostatitis (Inflammation of the prostate) , Sexually transmitted diseases , Exposure to certain chemicals, such as the herbicide Agent Orange
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
In the early stages of prostate cancer, there may be no signs or symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, the following symptoms may occur:
Difficulty urinating
Frequent urination, especially at night.
Trouble emptying the bladder completely.
Pain or burning during urination.
Weak or interrupted flow of urine.
Loss of bowel/bladder control.
Blood in the semen or urine
Sudden weight loss
Painful ejaculation and erectile dysfunction
Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away.
Prostate Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Screenings can aid in the early detection of prostate cancer. You will likely undergo your first screening test at age 55 if your risk is average. If you belong to a high-risk group, you may require testing sooner. Additional tests or procedures may be required if screenings show you may have prostate cancer. If a person has symptoms that may indicate prostate cancer, a doctor may likely:
Discuss your symptoms
Inquire about personal and health history
Do a blood test to determine the PSA levels
Carry out imaging tests
Do a urine test to search for other biomarkers
Conduct a physical examination, which may include a DRE (digital rectal exam)
During a DRE, the doctor will personally examine the prostate using their finger for any abnormalities. If prostate cancer is suspected, the doctor may recommend several tests including:
Transrectal ultrasound: This procedure involves putting a probe with a camera into the rectum.
Biopsy: During a biopsy, a healthcare provider takes a tissue sample to be tested for malignancy in a lab. A biopsy is the only definite approach to diagnose prostate cancer and determine how aggressive it is.
Prostate Cancer Staging
Staging often describes the amount of cancer present in the body as well as the severity of the tumors. Understanding the stage of prostate cancer can assist a person understand what to expect and inform treatment decisions. Cancer staging is complicated and takes into account a variety of factors. The lower the number, the less likely the cancer has spread. Stages are usually divided into:
Treatment
Treatment will be determined by a variety of criteria, including your overall health, if the cancer has spread, and how quickly it is progressing. Depending on your treatment, you might consult with urologists, radiation oncologists, and medical oncologists. The majority of prostate cancers that are detected in their early stages can be cured with treatment. This may include:
Surveillance: If your cancer grows slowly and does not spread, your doctor may decide to monitor your condition rather than treat it.
Active Surveillance: Prostate biopsies and regular PSA tests are used to closely monitor the prostate cancer, and only treating it if it spreads or presents with symptoms.
Watchful Waiting: Active surveillance and watchful waiting are both similar strategies, however watchful waiting is more frequently employed in the case of frailer cancer patients whose condition is unlikely to improve with treatment. Tests are also conducted significantly less frequently. Treatments typically focus on treating symptoms rather than removing the tumor.
Surgery: In a prostatectomy, the prostate is surgically removed. It is usually effective in eliminating prostate tumors that have not spread.
Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy may be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments to treat prostate cancer. It involves Using high-energy rays (similar to X-rays) to kill the cancer. Radiation can also help with reducing symptoms.
Other treatments for prostate cancer may include
Hormone Therapy: This prevents cancer cells from receiving the hormones needed for their growth. This is sometimes referred to as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).
Chemotherapy: This involves taking specific drugs to reduce or eliminate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
It may be difficult to select the treatment that is best for you. Consult your oncologist about the therapy choices available for your cancer type and stage. Your doctor can discuss the risks and advantages of each treatment, as well as any adverse effects. Getting a second opinion could help you decide on the best treatment for you.
Possible Side-effects of Prostate Cancer
Some possible side effects of prostate cancer includes:….
Erectile dysfunction
Incontinence
Infertility
Your healthcare provider will discuss these potential side effects of treatment with you and recommend medications and procedures that may help.
Prevention
While it is impossible to prevent prostate cancer, you can reduce your risks by:
Choosing a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
Exercising frequently
Maintaining a healthy weight
Your healthcare provider will discuss these potential side effects of treatment with you and recommend medications and procedures that may help.
References
Medical News Today. Prostate Cancer: Symptoms, Treatment and Causes. Medically reviewed by Sheel Patel, MD — By Yvette Brazier — Updated on January 19, 2023 (https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/150086#stages). Accessed 9/6/2023.
Cleveland Clinic. Prostate Cancer: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment. (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8634-prostate-cancer). Accessed 9/6/2023.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Prostate Cancer. Last reviewed July 17, 2023. (https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/prostate/index.htm). Accessed 9/6/2023.