Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate gland, which is a small, walnut-shaped gland in men located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate produces seminal fluid which nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men and typically grows slowly. However, some types can be more aggressive.
Symptoms
Early-stage prostate cancer often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may include:
- Trouble urinating; difficulty starting or stopping
- Weak or interupted urine flow
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Loss of bladder control
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pain in the hips, pelvis or lower back
- Bone pain
- Erectile dysfunction
- Unexplained weightloss or fatigue (in advanced cases)
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of prostate cancer is not known, but several factors can increase the risk:
- Age: Risk increases with age, especially after 50
- Race/Ethnicity: African American men are at a higher risk, and often have more aggresive forms of the disease
- Family History: A family history of prostate or breast cancer
- Lifestyle Factors: Obesity, diet high in red meat, and low intake of fruits and vegetables
- Genetic Mutation: Inherited mutations such as BRCA 1 or BCRA 2 genes may increase risk
Lifestyle Changes for Prevention
While there are no guaranteed ways to prevent prostate cancer, you can reduce your risk by:
- Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Get regular prostate screenings
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol consumption
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer and may include:
- Active Surveillance
- Surgery: Removal of the prostate gland and nearby tissue
- Radiation Therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
- Hormone Therapy: Reducing or blocking the production of testosterone
- Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells
- Targeted Therapy: Targeting specific cancer cells
- Immunotherapy: Boost the immune system to attack cancer cells
- Cryotherapy: Cold gases freeze cancer cells in prostate, eliminating the tumor
- Laser Ablation: Intense heat directed at the tumor, killing cancer cells within prostate, destroying the tumor