Prostate cancer is a condition that affects the prostate gland in men. It is a slow-growing cancer that can take years to become symptomatic. However, if left untreated, prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the body and become fatal.

Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death among men, with an estimated one in nine men being diagnosed with the disease at some point in their lives, and a total of approximately 35,000 deaths from this disease annually in the United States alone. Hence, identifying and treating prostate cancer early is crucial to the survival of men with this disease.

What is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate gland is located just below the bladder in men. The gland produces fluid that is a component of semen. Prostate cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells in the prostate gland.

There are different types of prostate cancer, but the most common type is adenocarcinoma. This type of cancer begins in the gland cells that produce the prostate fluid.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Several risk factors increase the chance of developing prostate cancer. These include:.

Age: The chances of developing prostate cancer increase with age.
Family History: Men with a family history of prostate cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease.
Ethnicity: African-American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than men of other races.
Diet: Eating a diet high in red meat and high-fat dairy products may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Obesity: Obese men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer than men of normal weight.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms in the early stages. However, as the cancer grows, men may experience the following symptoms:.

Frequent urination, especially at night
Difficulty starting or stopping urination
Weak urine flow
Painful urination or ejaculation
Blood in urine or semen
Pain or stiffness in the back, hips, or thighs

It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions and not just prostate cancer.

Detection and Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

There are two primary tools for detecting prostate cancer: the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal exam (DRE).

The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood. Elevated PSA levels can indicate the presence of prostate cancer.

However, high PSA levels can also be caused by other factors such as an enlarged prostate or an infection, and therefore this test is not an absolute indicator of prostate cancer.

The DRE involves a physician inserting a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland. An enlarged or hard prostate may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.

Further testing such as a prostate biopsy will be required to confirm the presence of cancer.

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

The treatment options for prostate cancer depend on a number of factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the patient’s personal preferences. Treatment options include:.

Active Surveillance: Observation without immediate treatment
Surgery: The surgical removal of the prostate gland
Radiation Therapy: The use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells
Hormone Therapy: The use of medications to block the production of male hormones that can fuel the growth of prostate cancer
Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill cancer cells

The Fatal Link Between Prostate Cancer and Death

Although early detection and treatment options have improved the survival rates of men with prostate cancer, it still remains one of the leading causes of cancer death among men.

The reason for this is that once prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland, it becomes much more difficult to treat and cure.

The five-year relative survival rate for prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate gland is nearly 100%.

However, the rate drops to 30% for metastatic prostate cancer, which is the term used to describe a cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Metastatic prostate cancer can cause symptoms such as bone pain, fatigue, and weight loss, and there is no cure for this stage of the disease. Treatment focuses on controlling the cancer and improving the patient’s quality of life.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer is a serious disease that can lead to death if left untreated or if it has metastasized from the prostate gland. Early detection and treatment are key to improving survival rates and reducing the risk of death from the disease.

Men should talk to their healthcare providers about their risk for prostate cancer and the appropriate screening measures to undertake.