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Prostate gland -

The prostate gland is located just below the bladder in men and surrounds the top portion of the tube that drains urine from the bladder (urethra).

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Function of prostate gland -

The primary function of the prostate gland is to produce the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm (seminal fluid).

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Prostate cancer -

Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that begins in the gland cells of the prostate. It is one of the most common types of cancer. Most types of prostate cancer usually develop slowly, so there may be no signs for many years. Other types, however are aggressive and can spread quickly. So, what are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

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Symptoms of prostate cancer -

Symptoms of more advanced prostate cancer may include a frequent need to urinate. You may also experience difficulty urinating. Another tell-tale sign is decreased force in the stream of urine.

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Blood in urine and/or semen -

Blood in urine and/or semen is a real red flag and should never be ignored.

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Bone pain -

Bone pain or a dull ache in the lower pelvic area, lower back, hips, or upper thighs can be indicative of prostate cancer.

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Losing weight without trying -

Unintentional weight loss is a common symptom of many types of cancer, so shedding bulk for no good reason is always cause for concern.

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Erectile disfunction -

Erectile dysfunction is another possible symptom of prostate cancer.

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Risk factors -

A number of risk factors are associated with prostate cancer. Top of this list is age. While rarely found in men younger than 40, those over the age of 55 run a greater risk of developing the disease.

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Ethnicity -

For reasons yet to be determined, Black men stand a greater chance of getting prostate cancer than those from other racial groups. They are also more likely to develop aggressive forms of prostate cancer and die from the disease. Other ethnicities, such as Hispanic and Asian men, are less likely to get prostate cancer.

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Family history -

If a blood relative, such as a parent, sibling, or child, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, your risk may be increased. In fact, a man is two to three times more likely to get prostate cancer if his father, brother, or son had it.

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Obesity -

People who are obese stand a greater chance of developing prostate cancer when compared with those considered to have a healthy weight, according to cancer prevention studies carried out by the American Cancer Study. The cancer in overweight individuals is also likely to be more aggressive.

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Smoking -

Prostate cancer risk may double for heavy smokers. Even if you quit the habit, it'll take 10 years of abstinence before your risk of contracting the disease diminishes to that of a non-smoker the same age.

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Prevention -

There are several measures you can adopt in order to lower the risk of developing prostate cancer. For instance, choosing a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables improves your overall health and can boost the immune system.

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Whole grain boost -

Fruits and vegetables and the whole grain found in seeds and nuts contain numerous vitamins and minerals that help maintain optimum health and vitality.

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Choose healthy foods over supplements -

For these reasons it's far better to follow a healthy, balanced diet than to place too much faith in food supplements. No studies have shown that supplements play a role in reducing your risk of prostate cancer. If in doubt, seek advice from your doctor.

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Exercise regularly -

It goes without saying that exercising regularly is hugely beneficial to physical and mental health. It helps maintain your weight and improves your mood.

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Get moving -

Aim to exercise most days of the week. Cycling is mainly an aerobic activity, which means that your heart, blood vessels, and lungs all get a workout. Light jogging is a good introduction for anyone new to exercise. Start slowly and gradually work your way up to a moderate to rigorous routine.  

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Tests to diagnose and stage prostate cancer -

Screening for prostate cancer includes a blood test. This will ascertain your level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA)—called PSA testing. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer.

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Digital rectal exam -

A doctor's examination might include a digital rectal exam (DRE), where the rectum is examined manually to pinpoint any bumps or hard areas on the prostate that might be cancer. 

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Prostate biopsy -

A prostate biopsy is a procedure to remove samples of suspicious tissue from the prostate. This is the only way to confirm a prostate cancer diagnosis.

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Prostatitis -

It's worth pointing out at this stage that there is a condition known as prostatitis, an inflammation (swelling) of the prostate gland. It can be very painful and distressing, but is an infection rather than a cancer.

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Inflamed prostate gland -

There are four types of prostatitis: acute bacterial prostatitis; chronic bacterial prostatitis; chronic prostatitis; and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis.

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Enlarged prostate gland -

Another affliction associated with the prostate gland is benign prostate enlargement (BPE). As the name suggests, it is not a cancer but a condition that can affect how you pass urine. BPE is common in men aged over 50.

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Treatment for prostate cancer -

If diagnosed with prostate cancer, treatment options include surgery and radiotherapy. External radiation therapy, internal radiation therapy, and radiopharmaceutical therapy are used to treat the disease.

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Surgery -

Removing the entire prostate gland through surgery, known as a radical prostatectomy, is a common option for men whose cancer has not spread.

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Metastatic prostate cancer -

When prostate cancer metastasizes, or spreads, hormone therapy (also called androgen deprivation therapy or ADT) is part of the standard of care for advanced and metastatic prostate cancer. At this stage, chemotherapy can also be considered.

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Complications -

There are a number of complications and side effects associated with prostate cancer and its treatments. Urinary incontinence can be a complaint, with treatment options including medications, catheters, and surgery. Aforementioned erectile dysfunction is another potential side effect.

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Living with prostate cancer -

You can live a long time with prostate cancer. If you have no symptoms, the condition should have no effect on your everyday activities. But that doesn't mean you won't be worried about your future. This may make you feel anxious or depressed, and even affect your sleep.

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Grim statistics -

According to Cancer.Net, in 2020 an estimated 375,304 people worldwide died from prostate cancer. The number of new cases diagnosed in Black men is 73% higher than the number of new cases diagnosed in Caucasian men. Black men in the United States and the Caribbean have the highest incidence rates of prostate cancer around the globe.

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Good news -

Despite these grim statistics, in general the earlier prostate cancer is caught, the more likely it is for a man to get successful treatment and remain disease-free. In fact, the overall prognosis for prostate cancer is among the best of all cancers.

Sources: (Urology Care Foundation) (World Journal of Oncology) (Prostate Cancer UK) (World Cancer Research Fund International) (Medical News Today) (American Cancer Society) (Prostate Cancer Foundation) (Cancer.Net) (NHS)

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