Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, especially those over the age of 50. According to the American Cancer Society, it is estimated that about one in nine men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

However, with early detection and proper treatment, the survival rate for prostate cancer is very high. In this guide, we will go through everything you need to know about prostate cancer, including its diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment options.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland, which is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate gland is responsible for producing semen, which carries sperm from the testicles out of the body.

Prostate cancer usually develops slowly, and in most cases, it is confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause any serious harm. However, in some cases, prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, which can be life-threatening.

Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

There are several ways to diagnose prostate cancer. The most common method is a digital rectal exam (DRE), in which a doctor uses a gloved finger to feel the prostate gland for any lumps or abnormalities.

Another common method is a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, which measures the level of PSA in the blood. High levels of PSA may indicate the presence of prostate cancer, but this test is not perfect, and false positives and false negatives can occur.

If a doctor suspects that someone has prostate cancer based on the results of a DRE or PSA test, they may recommend a biopsy, which involves taking a small sample of prostate tissue and examining it under a microscope to look for cancer cells.

Prognosis of Prostate Cancer

The prognosis of prostate cancer depends on many factors, such as the stage of the cancer when it is diagnosed, the grade of the cancer (how aggressive it is), and the patient’s overall health.

In general, prostate cancer that is diagnosed early and is confined to the prostate gland has a very high survival rate. However, prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body may be more difficult to treat and may have a lower survival rate.

Staging Prostate Cancer

In order to determine the stage of prostate cancer, doctors may use several tests, including imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans, as well as bone scans.

The stage of prostate cancer is determined by how far the cancer has spread from the prostate gland. There are four stages of prostate cancer:.

Stage I: The cancer is confined to the prostate gland and is not palpable during a DRE.

Stage II: The cancer is still confined to the prostate gland but can be felt during a DRE.

Stage III: The cancer has spread outside of the prostate gland to nearby tissues or organs, such as the seminal vesicles.

Stage IV: The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the bones.

Treating Prostate Cancer

There are several treatment options available for prostate cancer, including:.

Active Surveillance: For low-risk prostate cancer, doctors may recommend “watchful waiting,” which involves monitoring the cancer closely with regular PSA tests and biopsies, but not treating it unless it becomes more aggressive.

Surgery: Prostate cancer surgery, also known as a radical prostatectomy, involves removing the entire prostate gland and some surrounding tissue. This is usually recommended for early-stage prostate cancer.

Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.

This can be done externally, using a machine that directs the radiation beams at the prostate gland, or internally, by placing radioactive seeds directly into the prostate gland. Radiation therapy is often recommended for early-stage prostate cancer or for cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate gland.

Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy involves blocking the production of testosterone, which can help slow or stop the growth of prostate cancer. This is often recommended for prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland.

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. This is often recommended for advanced prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Conclusion

Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer among men, but with early detection and proper treatment, the survival rate is very high.

If you are at risk for prostate cancer or are experiencing symptoms such as frequent urination, pain or difficulty urinating, or blood in the urine or semen, talk to your doctor about getting screened for prostate cancer.