Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, and unfortunately, it is also one of the cancer types that cause the highest rate of death for males (1).

In this article, we will discuss prostate cancer’s symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and explore the factors that may increase the death risk for those diagnosed with prostate cancer.

What is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate gland is a small gland located between the bladder and the penis and is part of the male reproductive system.

Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably within the gland, causing symptoms such as frequent urination, painful urination, and blood in the urine (2). Some men may also experience erectile dysfunction, bone pain, and weight loss.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is usually diagnosed through a combination of tests, including a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, digital rectal exam, and biopsy (3).

Once diagnosed, treatments for prostate cancer may include radiation therapy, surgery, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these therapies. However, the treatment plan will be determined by the stage of the cancer, the age, and health of the patient, and other factors that may affect the outcome.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Several factors may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. The common risk factors for a prostate cancer diagnosis include age, race, family history, and lifestyle choices.

Men who are over the age of 50 are at the highest risk for prostate cancer, and African American men are more likely to develop or die from prostate cancer than white men (4). A family history of prostate cancer also increases the risk of developing the disease, especially if a father, brother, or son has been diagnosed with prostate cancer (5).

Additionally, a diet high in animal fat and processed foods, obesity, and lack of physical activity may also increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.

Increased Death Risk for Men with Prostate Cancer

Approximately one in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, but not all cases of prostate cancer are lethal.

According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer’s death rate has been steadily declining over the past few decades, and the 10-year survival rate for localized prostate cancer is over 98% (6). However, some cases of prostate cancer can be fatal, and certain factors may increase the risk of death for those diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Advanced Stage at Diagnosis

One of the leading factors that may increase the death risk for those with prostate cancer is the stage at diagnosis. The stage of prostate cancer refers to the extent of cancer’s spread within the prostate gland and to other parts of the body.

When prostate cancer is diagnosed at an advanced stage, it may have already spread beyond the prostate gland, making it more difficult to treat (7). This may result in a lower chance of survival and higher death rates. Therefore, early detection of prostate cancer through regular screenings can increase the chances of successful treatment and cure, lowering the risk of death due to prostate cancer.

Different Types of Prostate Cancer

Further studies have shown that different types of prostate cancer can also increase the risk of death for those diagnosed with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer can be classified into different types based on how aggressive the cancer cells are.

Some types of prostate cancer, such as low-risk prostate cancer, are not considered life-threatening, and the patients can live a long and healthy life with proper treatment (8). However, some types of prostate cancer, such as high-risk prostate cancer, have a higher chance of causing death.

Therefore, understanding the aggressiveness and growth rate of prostate cancer can help healthcare providers make informed treatment decisions, reducing the risk of death for those diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Further, prostate cancer treatment may also lead to different complications that can contribute to the mortality rate of prostate cancer patients.

Some of the complications associated with prostate cancer treatments include urinary incontinence, impotence, and bowel problems. It’s worth noting that some men may already have underlying medical conditions that may increase the risk of complications (9).

Therefore, the risks and benefits of each prostate cancer treatment option should be discussed with the healthcare provider, as well as the potential complications and the patient’s overall health status.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer is a common cancer type among men, and its death rate has been declining over the past few decades.

While the survival rate for localized prostate cancer is high, some cases can be fatal due to various factors that increase the risk of death, including advanced stage at diagnosis, different types of prostate cancer, and treatment-related complications. Regular screening for prostate cancer and understanding the potential risk factors can help healthcare providers make informed decisions leading to early detection and successful treatment, ultimately reducing the death rate due to prostate cancer.