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One of the most prevalent cancers in males is prostate cancer, yet little is known about it. Results can be greatly enhanced by changing lifestyle choices, increasing awareness, and early detection.
Take control of your health, get screened, and stay informed since early diagnosis saves lives.
One of the most prevalent malignancies in males, prostate cancer affects millions of people annually throughout the world. However, while being common, prostate cancer frequently does not receive the same level of attention or urgency from the public as some other cancers, such lung or breast cancer. Nonetheless, raising public knowledge of prostate cancer is essential to enhancing early detection, treatment results, and general health.
Prostate cancer: What is it?
In men, the prostate is a walnut-sized gland situated just behind the bladder. When aberrant cells in the prostate start to grow out of control and frequently develop into a tumour, prostate cancer results. The cancer can metastasize to lymph nodes and bones. From slow-growing malignancies that might not show any symptoms to more aggressive cancers that spread swiftly and have the potential to be lethal, prostate cancer can take many different forms.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer has no known cause; however, several variables raise the chance of getting it:
- Age: Men over 50
- Family History: The risk is doubled if a sibling or father has prostate cancer
- Race and Ethnicity: more common among African American males
- Genetics: A higher risk of prostate cancer has been associated with some inherited gene mutations, like BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes
- Diet and Lifestyle: Diets high in fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats (such those in the Mediterranean diet) may reduce risk, whereas diets high in red meat and dairy products may increase it
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer frequently shows no signs in its early stages. For this reason, routine screening is crucial for early detection, particularly for men who are more susceptible.
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Painful ejaculation
- Difficulty urinating or a weak urinary stream
- Unexplained pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis.
However, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can cause these symptoms in addition to prostate cancer.
Early detection and screening
The digital rectal exam (DRE) and the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test are the two procedures commonly used for screening.
- PSA Test:This blood test quantifies the prostate’s production of the protein PSA. Although high PSA levels can also be raised in infection or BPH, elevated PSA levels can be a sign of prostate cancer.
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE):A physician feels the prostate for any abnormalities, such as lumps or hard spots, by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum.Screening is controversial even though it can aid in the early detection of cancer. Because some prostate cancers grow extremely slowly and not all of them are life-threatening, several specialists question the routine use of PSA testing, particularly in older men. Overdiagnosis and overtreatment are issues. However, screening may still be advised beginning at age 45 to 50 for males who are more at risk (such as those with a family history).
Options for Treatment
Determined by the patient’s preferences, general health, and the cancer’s stage.
- Active Surveillance/ Watchful waiting
- Surgery: Radical prostatectomy
- Radiation Therapy
- Hormone Therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Focal therapy (HIFU/Cryotherapy)
Preventing Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer cannot be prevented completely, but there are some lifestyle modifications that may help reduce the risk:
- Keep a Healthy Diet: a diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats may help reduce the incidence of prostate cancer. Cutting back on processed foods and red meat might also be beneficial.Remain Active: Frequent exercise may reduce the incidence of prostate cancer
- Steer clear of alcohol and tobacco: Smoking and alcohol increases the risk of several malignancies, including prostate cancer.
- Routine Check-ups: Men should talk to their doctors about their personal risk factors and think about getting screened early, especially if they are in a high-risk category or have a family history of prostate cancer.
The Importance of Awareness
Because early detection and treatment can greatly increase survival rates, prostate cancer awareness is essential. A campaign to inform men about prostate cancer, its risk factors, and screening methods is known as “prostate cancer awareness.” Men will be better able to make health-related decisions if they have a greater understanding of these. Cancer that is prone to spread to other parts of the body may be detected during screening and treated before it spreads. For certain men, this may reduce their risk of dying from prostate cancer.
Many men who receive a prostate cancer diagnosis go on to lead long and satisfying lives thanks to recent advancements in screening and treatment. It’s time for men to speak up and take control of their health; discuss prostate cancer with a physician, be aware of your risk, and be screened if necessary.
(With inputs by Dr. Yuvaraja T.B, Head, Robotic Surgery; Consultant, Surgical Oncology (Uro Oncology), Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, Mumbai)
