Prostate cancer is a condition that affects the prostate gland, a small walnut-sized gland in men responsible for producing seminal fluid.
In this article, we’ll explore the symptoms, risk factors, screening, and treatment options for prostate cancer.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer:
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Age: Risk rises with age, most commonly affecting men over 50.
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Family history: A history of prostate cancer or presence of BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
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Obesity: Excess body weight can contribute to higher risk.
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Race: Black men are more susceptible compared to other ethnicities.
Since some prostate cancers may not show early symptoms, understanding changes in prostate health is crucial for timely diagnosis.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Common signs may include:
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Difficulty or pain while urinating
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Frequent urination, especially at night
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Interrupted urine flow
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Blood in urine or semen
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Painful ejaculation
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Unexplained weight loss
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Persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
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Erectile dysfunction
Prostate Cancer Screening
The Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test is the most common screening tool. This blood test measures the PSA level in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) and aids in early detection and treatment planning.
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PSA levels above 4.0 ng/mL often warrant a prostate biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer.
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A rising PSA level can indicate prostate cancer even before symptoms appear.
PSA levels may fluctuate due to other factors such as prostatitis, urinary tract infections, recent surgery, or certain medications, which is why doctors may repeat the test for confirmation.
Men aged 45 and above are generally advised to undergo regular PSA screenings. While the test is valuable for early detection, it may sometimes result in false positives or false negatives, over-diagnosis, or unnecessary treatments.
PSA testing is also helpful for monitoring men with a history of prostate cancer to track ongoing prostate health.
Treatment Options
The management of prostate cancer depends on the type, stage, and severity of the condition. Common treatments include:
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Surgery to remove the prostate gland
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Radiation therapy
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Hormone therapy
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Chemotherapy
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Other targeted or combination therapies based on individual cases
Early diagnosis and monitoring are key to improving outcomes and quality of life for men affected by prostate cancer.