Prostate cancer is a deadly disease that engulfs a large number of people every year. It usually occurs in older man (above 50 years of age). According to the information through various sources, it is revealed that it is the second leading cause of cancer death for men in countries like USA. However, the cases of prostate cancer in India is also rising alarmingly. The disease is quite rare before age 50, while most elderly men have traces of it. Since it is a quite serious disease and it has affected quite a large number of men, it becomes imperative to know everything about prostate cancer.
According to Dr. Anshuman Agarwal, the Senior Consultant-Urology & Robotic Surgery, there is no need to get panic about prostate cancer as it is very much treatable. The modern technology and advanced treatment method are quite effective and it will allow people to get the ideal solution of prostate cancer disease. All people require is knowing as much information as possible regarding prostate cancer.
What is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. It is found in the lower abdomen which is located under the bladder and encompasses the urethra. The prostate is controlled by the hormone testosterone and it induces seminal fluid called semen, a fluid substance containing sperm that comes out through the urethra during ejaculation. When there is an abnormal malignant growth of cells, which is called tumor, forms in the prostate, it is termed as prostate cancer. It is noteworthy that this cancer can spread to other areas of the body as well. Hence, the patient should consult the urologist as soon as possible to find the best solution.
Types of Prostate Cancer
Most cases of prostate cancer are a type of cancer called adenocarcinoma. It grows in the tissue of a gland called prostate gland. The type of cancer is also categorized on the basis of how fast it grows. There are two types of growth, such as:
Aggressive or fast growing
Non-aggressive or slow growing
As far as aggressive or fast growing prostate cancer is concerned, the tumor can grow fast and it may spread to other areas of the body as well. On the other hand, in non-aggressive or slow growing prostate cancer, the tumor either does not grow or grows very little with the passage of time.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
As far as the symptoms of prostate cancer are concerned, there is no prominent symptoms emerge during the early stage. In fact, if the symptoms do appear they will include one or more of the following:
Blood in the urine
Frequent urge to urinate.
Difficulty in urinating or starting or maintaining urination.
Difficulty in obtaining or maintaining an erection.
Pain during urination
If the prostate cancer is in an advanced stage it may comprise the following symptoms:
Leg weakness.
Bone fractures.
Urinary incontinence.
Fecal incontinence.
Bone pain, often in the spine, pelvis, femur, pelvis or ribs.
Prostate Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Screening and diagnosis immensely depend on the personal preferences and age of the patient. It is so because most prostate cancers grow quite slow and it does bring any serious or prominent health cause. Moreover, the results from the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test which is the part of the screening may lead to misdiagnosis of cancer. Still screening and diagnosis of prostate cancer is recommended for men as they get older. If you are among the men aged 55 to 69, you can decide to undergo a PSA test after consulting your doctor.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Dr. Anshuman Agarwal is widely known for his perfect urological solution to the patients suffering a different kind of urological problems including prostate cancer treatment. The treatment for prostate cancer commences with an appropriate treatment plan for cancer based on your age, health status, and the stage of cancer.
If prostate cancer is non-progressive, the urologist may ask for active surveillance. It means you will delay treatment but have regular checkups with your doctor to monitor cancer. In case your cancer is in advance stage, it can be treated with other options that may include:
Radiation
Surgery
Hormone therapy
Cryotherapy
Immunotherapy
Stereotactic radiosurgery
Prevention for Prostate Cancer
Though age is the most threatening risk factor for prostate cancer which you cannot control, however, there are other factors that you can control:
Diet: Include the following food in your diet to prevent the risk of prostate cancer, such as fish, soy, tomato, olive oil, vegetables like broccoli, Brussels spouts and kale.
Exercise: A regular exercise can decrease the risk of developing advanced prostate cancer.
Doctor's consultation: When you get old, make sure you frequently visit the urologist and have a candid conversation about the risk of prostate cancer. It can make a large impact on managing the risk of prostate cancer.