What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men and typically affects those over the age of 65. While many prostate cancers grow slowly and remain confined to the gland, others can be aggressive and spread quickly. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes.
Risk factors include age, family history, and elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Frequent urination at night
- Blood in semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Bone pain in advanced stages
Screening involves PSA testing and digital rectal examination (DRE). Diagnosis may require MRI scans or biopsy. Cancer cells are assessed by grade (Gleason score), which helps guide treatment decisions.
Treatment options include:
- Active Surveillance: Monitoring with regular PSA tests, MRIs, or biopsies
- Radiation Therapy: Delivered externally or via brachytherapy (radioactive seeds)
- Hormone Therapy: Reduces testosterone to slow cancer growth
- Surgery: Radical prostatectomy, sometimes performed using robotic-assisted technology
Patients should consult a healthcare provider to determine a suitable treatment plan based on the type and stage of the cancer.
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