Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer among men. It happens when the cells in the prostate gland start to grow uncontrollably.

While prostate cancer is a serious condition, it’s not the only thing men with this disease need to worry about. Researchers have found that men with prostate cancer have an increased risk for developing thrombotic events.

What Are Thrombotic Events?

Thrombotic events are a type of blood clot that can form in the veins or arteries. When these clots occur in the veins, they’re referred to as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If they happen in the arteries, they’re known as arterial thrombosis.

Both types of thrombotic events can be life-threatening.

When a thrombotic event happens, it can block blood flow to certain parts of the body. For example, if a clot forms in one of the deep veins in the leg, it can stop blood flow to the foot and ankle. This can cause swelling, pain, and even tissue damage.

If a clot forms in one of the arteries that supply blood to the heart or brain, it can cause a heart attack or stroke.

Why Are Men with Prostate Cancer at Higher Risk?

Researchers aren’t exactly sure why men with prostate cancer have a higher risk for developing thrombotic events. However, they believe it’s related to the treatment methods used for the disease.

Many men with prostate cancer are treated with hormonal therapy, which lowers the amount of testosterone in the body. This can cause the blood to be thicker and more likely to clot.

Additionally, prostate cancer is often diagnosed in older men. As men age, they become more susceptible to thrombotic events.

Other risk factors for thrombotic events that are common among men with prostate cancer include obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.

What Can Men with Prostate Cancer Do to Reduce Their Risk?

While it’s not possible to completely eliminate the risk of thrombotic events, there are things men with prostate cancer can do to reduce their risk. One of the most important things is to stay active.

Regular exercise can help improve blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots. It’s also important to maintain a healthy weight and eat a balanced diet.

If you’re receiving hormonal therapy for prostate cancer, your doctor may prescribe a blood thinner such as aspirin to reduce your risk of thrombotic events.

It’s important to take this medication exactly as prescribed and to let your doctor know if you experience any side effects.

Finally, it’s important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of thrombotic events. If you experience any of the following, it’s important to seek medical attention right away:.

Swelling, pain, or tenderness in one leg
Sudden shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Chest pain or discomfort
Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body
Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

The Bottom Line

Men with prostate cancer have an increased risk for developing thrombotic events. While the exact cause of this increased risk is not known, it’s believed to be related to the treatment methods used for prostate cancer.

Men with prostate cancer can reduce their risk by staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and being aware of the signs and symptoms of thrombotic events.