Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer found in men. It is said that one out of every eight men is susceptible to a prostate cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. It is commonly seen in men aged 50 years or older but can sometimes be found in younger patients. However, early detection and management of prostate cancer can prove beneficial for better results and a preferable outcome for patients.
Warning signs of prostate cancer
In its early stages, prostate cancer often does not give rise to any symptoms. However, as cancer progresses, it can bring along some of the following warning signs:
Urinary problems
Men diagnosed with prostate cancer or considered potential patients often show changes in urinary patterns. Changes such as increased urgency, frequency, difficulty starting or stopping the flow, weak flow, or a burning sensation during urination are all considered warning signs. Some patients might also note the presence of blood in their urine or semen and should not ignore the signs.
Erectile dysfunction
Prostate cancer can interfere with the blood vessels and nerves responsible for causing an erection. This interference can cause difficulty in achieving or maintaining an erection.
Pain
As and when the disease progresses, it can cause pain in the body. Some common regions where patients complain of pain are the hips, thighs, and lower back. In the advanced stages of the condition, cancer might metastasize to other body parts, including the bones. The spread of cancer can lead to increased pain in the body.
Fatigue
Fatigue is another common warning sign in patients with prostate cancer. This could result from the patient’s diagnosis and the weakness caused by the condition. Alternatively, weakness and fatigue can also result from the patient’s ongoing treatment.
Unexplained body mass loss
Patients with prostate cancer and its advanced stages can experience muscle wasting, loss of appetite, and unexplained body mass loss.
Management of prostate cancer
Active surveillance
For people that have been diagnosed with low-risk prostate cancer and for the ones that are at risk of developing prostate cancer, active surveillance might be suggested. It might be considered a suitable management option as it involves periodic monitoring of cancer development with some diagnostic tests. These include blood tests such as prostate-specific antigen tests, rectal exams, and prostate biopsies. If the doctor notices any signs of progression of the condition, surgery might be suggested at this stage.
Surgery
Patients with localized prostate cancer may be advised to have the cancer surgically removed. A radical prostatectomy, a standard management option used in prostate cancer treatment, involves removing the entire prostate gland. It also lowers the chances of recurrence of cancer.
Radiation therapy
High-energy radiation is used in radiation therapy to kill cancer cells. It may be advised as the primary treatment option for people with localized prostate cancer. Alternatively, radiation therapy can also be combined with other treatment options in case of advanced cancer.
Hormone therapy
This treatment option involves the replacement of androgens in the patient. Lowering the number of male hormones can slow down the progression of cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves using chemicals that target cancer cells and can be used in managing advanced prostate cancer.