Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among men, with approximately 1 in 8 men diagnosed with it at some point in their lives.

However, thanks to advances in research and treatment options, the outlook for those diagnosed with prostate cancer has improved significantly in recent years.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a cancer that develops in the prostate gland, which is a part of the male reproductive system located between the bladder and the rectum. The prostate gland produces a fluid that is mixed with sperm to create semen.

Prostate cancer usually develops slowly, and many men will live with the disease without experiencing any symptoms or requiring treatment. However, in some cases, the cancer can grow and spread to other parts of the body, which can be life-threatening.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Although the exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, certain risk factors have been identified. These include:.

Age – the risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, with most cases occurring in men over 50.
Family history – men with a family history of prostate cancer are more likely to develop the disease themselves.
Genetics – certain inherited genes have been linked to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
Ethnicity – prostate cancer is more common in African American men than in men of other races.
Diet – a diet high in red meat and fat has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

In many cases, prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms, especially in the early stages. However, as the cancer grows, it may cause the following symptoms:.

Urinary problems, such as a weak or interrupted urine flow, or a need to urinate more frequently, especially at night.
Blood in the urine or semen.
Pain or discomfort during ejaculation.
Pain or discomfort in the pelvis, back, or hips.
Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.

Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

If prostate cancer is suspected, a doctor will perform a physical exam, including a digital rectal exam (DRE), to check for any abnormalities in the prostate gland.

They may also order a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which measures the level of PSA in the blood. A high PSA level may indicate the presence of prostate cancer, but it can also be caused by other conditions, such as an enlarged prostate or an infection.

If the results of the DRE or PSA test are abnormal, the doctor may recommend further tests, such as a biopsy, to confirm the presence of prostate cancer.

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

The treatment options for prostate cancer depend on several factors, including the stage of the cancer, the age and overall health of the patient, and the patient’s personal preferences.

Some of the treatment options for prostate cancer include:.

Watchful waiting or active surveillance – in cases where the cancer is slow-growing and not causing any symptoms, the doctor may recommend monitoring the cancer closely without any treatment.
Surgery – the prostate gland and surrounding tissue may be removed through surgery, either with traditional surgery or with robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery.
Radiation therapy – high-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells in the prostate gland.
Hormone therapy – medications are used to block the production of testosterone, which can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Chemotherapy – medications are used to kill cancer cells throughout the body.

The Role of Janssen in Prostate Cancer Treatment

Janssen is a pharmaceutical company that is committed to advancing medical research and developing innovative treatments for a range of diseases, including prostate cancer.

One of the treatments developed by Janssen for prostate cancer is Zytiga (abiraterone acetate), which is used in combination with prednisone to treat men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

Zytiga works by blocking the production of testosterone, which can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Another treatment developed by Janssen for prostate cancer is Erleada (apalutamide), which is used to treat men with non-metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (nmCRPC) who are at high risk of developing metastases.

Erleada works by blocking the effects of testosterone on prostate cancer cells.

Both Zytiga and Erleada have been shown to be effective in clinical trials, and have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in the treatment of prostate cancer.

Remain Resilient

Receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming and frightening, but it’s important to remember that there are many treatment options available and that the outlook for prostate cancer patients has improved significantly in recent years.

It’s also important to take care of your physical and mental health during this time. Eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of rest can help you maintain your strength and resilience throughout your treatment.

Remember that you are not alone – there are many resources available to help you navigate this challenging time, including support groups and counseling services.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer is a common form of cancer among men, but with advances in research and treatment options, the outlook for those diagnosed with the disease has improved significantly in recent years.

Janssen is committed to developing innovative treatments for prostate cancer, including Zytiga and Erleada. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, it’s important to remember that there are many treatment options available and that you are not alone.

With the right treatment and support, it’s possible to remain resilient and stand strong against prostate cancer.