Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer that originates in the prostate. Prostate cancer is most common in men and can be treated if diagnosed early.

This type of cancer is a common type that develops in the prostate gland, a tiny gland in males that resembles a walnut. The gland produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. Likewise, while some prostate tumors advance slowly and remain restricted to the gland, others can be aggressive and spread quickly.

Doctors can successfully treat this type of cancer if detected early. Similarly, when it remains confined inside the prostate gland, it has the highest chance of successful treatment. Especially, in males and those designated male at birth, the reproductive system includes the prostate gland, which is where prostate cancer originates. Because of its sluggish growth and propensity to remain inside the gland, many people choose active surveillance over rapid treatment. Radiation and surgery are frequent treatment options for fast-developing and spreading tumors.

A prostate cancer diagnosis is most often in men, yet early identification generally allows for effective treatment. Its source is the prostate gland, which is located between the penis and the bladder. However, the precise cause is uncertain, although the risk increases with age. Aside from generating sperm-nourishing fluid, the prostate gland secretes prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein that aids in the liquid state of sperm and urine control.

According to the sources, this type of cancer will affect one out of every eight guys over their lifetime, but only one out of every 41 will die of the disease. This is due to excellent therapies in the early stages and the cancer’s normally modest development in later stages. Regular screening allows doctors to discover many cases before they spread.

Types

The vast majority of prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, which arise from the gland cells that produce the prostatic fluid that is added to sperm.

Although other cancers can begin in the prostate, such as:

• small cell carcinomas
• neuroendocrine tumors (excluding small cell carcinomas)
• transitional cell carcinomas
• sarcomas

When diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is almost always an adenocarcinoma. While some prostate tumors develop and spread quickly, the majority advance slowly. Certainly, autopsy demonstrates that many older men, and even some younger men, who died from unrelated reasons had this type of cancer that never produced any symptoms or harm during their lives. In many cases, neither the patients nor their doctors were aware of its presence.

Causes of Prostate Cancer

Talking about the causes, experts are unsure of the specific causes of prostate cancer. However, prostate cancer like other cancers, originates when cells divide at a greater pace than usual. Cancer cells, unlike healthy cells, do not die naturally and instead grow, producing a mass known as a tumor. As the tumor develops, some of its components might detach and move to other parts of the body, a process known as metastasis.

Prostate cancer, fortunately, grows slowly in the majority of situations. The majority of tumors are discovered before the disease has spread beyond the prostate, allowing for extremely successful therapy at this time.

Likewise, a man’s chance of having this cancer can be increased by a number of variables. Age is a crucial component since the risk increases with age. Men over the age of 55 are more likely to have DNA damage in their prostate cells.

Similarly, African American males have a greater likelihood of prostate cancer, which is influenced by ethnicity. One in every six African American males will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Asian American and Hispanic/Latino men, on the other hand, had lower rates of prostate cancer than non-Hispanic white men.

Furthermore, a family history of prostate cancer increases the risk. Men who have a grandfather, father, or sibling who has prostate cancer are at a higher risk of developing the condition. Furthermore, having a family member with breast or ovarian cancer increases the chance of prostate cancer in men.

Hence maintaining a healthy weight is also important since research has established a link between being overweight in later life (50s and beyond) and an increased risk of advanced prostate cancer. To lower the risk of cancer, doctors recommend keeping a healthy weight.

Signs & Symptoms

This type of cancer may not show any visible signs in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may mirror those associated with an enlarged prostate or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). If any symptoms are seen, a doctor’s consultant should be taken as soon as possible. Some of the common signs are as follows:

• Pain in the lower pelvic region that is dull
• Frequent urination
• Urine passage problems, discomfort, burning, or a weak urine flow
• Hematuria (blood in the pee)
• Ejaculation is extremely painful
• Lower back, hip, or upper thigh pain
• Loss of appetite
• Obesity reduction
• Bone ache

Prevention of Prostate Cancer

Talking about preventive measures, there is no way to completely avoid this type of cancer. However, there are things that might be helpful to minimize the risk if taken into consideration. They are:

• Regular prostate screenings: Discuss with your healthcare practitioner how frequently you should get screenings depending on your own risk factors.
• Maintain a healthy weight: Talk to your provider about what constitutes a healthy weight for you, and work hard to obtain and keep it.
• Engage in regular exercise: The CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week, which corresponds to a little more than 20 minutes per day.
• Adopt a healthy diet: While no one diet may ensure cancer prevention, adopting a balanced and nutritious diet helps enhance overall health. Focus on including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your meals while reducing your intake of red meat and processed foods.
• Quit smoking: Avoid tobacco products, and if you already smoke, work with your healthcare professional to develop a strategy for quitting smoking to help you overcome the habit.

Following these preventative actions may lower the chance of acquiring prostate cancer and improve your general well-being.

Also read: Breast Cancer: A Leading Cause of Death For Women!