Understanding prostate cancer

Cancer that develops in the prostate is known as prostate cancer. The seminal fluid, which feeds and carries sperm, is produced by the prostate, a little gland in men that resembles a walnut.

One of the most prevalent forms of cancer is prostate cancer. A large number of prostate cancers are slow-growing and localised to the prostate gland, where they might not do much damage. On the other hand, aggressive forms of prostate cancer can spread swiftly, whilst slow-growing varieties may require little or no treatment at all.

Early detection of prostate cancer, when it is still limited to the prostate gland, is critical for successful therapy.

Symptoms of prostate cancer

In its early stages, prostate cancer may show no symptoms at all.
More advanced prostate cancer can present with symptoms and indicators like:

• Trouble urinating
• Decreased force in the stream of urine
• Blood in the urine
• Blood in the semen
• Bone pain
• Losing weight without trying
• Erectile dysfunction

Causes of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer’s cause is unknown.

Physicians are aware that DNA alterations in prostate cells are the first sign of prostate cancer. The instructions that inform a cell what to do are encoded in its DNA. The alterations instruct the cells to proliferate and divide more quickly than typical cells. When other cells would die, the aberrant cells would not perish.

The aberrant cells build up into a tumour that can spread and infect surrounding tissue. Certain aberrant cells have the ability to split out and travel (metastasize) to different areas of the body over time.

Factors at risk

The following are some factors that may raise your risk of prostate cancer:

• Race. Black people are more likely than those of other races to develop prostate cancer, for unknown reasons. Prostate cancer is also more likely to be aggressive or progressed in Black individuals.
• Older age. As you become older, your chance of prostate cancer rises. After age 50, it becomes more prevalent.
• Family history.
• Your risk may be elevated if a parent, sibling, child, or other blood relative has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Additionally, your chance of prostate cancer may be increased if you have a significant family history of breast cancer or if you carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which raise the risk of breast cancer.
• Obesity.
• Research on the relationship between obesity and prostate cancer suggests that obese individuals may be more susceptible to the disease than those who are deemed to be of a healthy weight. After first therapy, the cancer is more likely to be aggressive and to recur in obese individuals.

Complications during prostate cancer

Prostate cancer side effects from treatment include:

• Incontinence. Urinary incontinence can result from prostate cancer as well as its treatment. The type of incontinence you have, its severity, and the possibility that it will get better with time all influence how you should be treated. Surgery, catheters, and medication are possible forms of treatment.
• Cancer that spreads (metastasizes). Prostate cancer can travel through your circulation or lymphatic system to your bones or other organs, or it might spread to neighbouring organs like your bladder. Broken bones and suffering can result from prostate cancer that spreads to the bones. Prostate cancer is unlikely to be cured if it has spread to other parts of the body, but it may still respond to treatment and be controlled.
• Erectile dysfunction. Prostate cancer and its therapies, such as surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy, can cause erectile dysfunction. Treatment options for erectile dysfunction include surgery, erection-assisting vacuum devices, and medications.

Prevention

Prostate cancer risk can be decreased if you:

• Maintain a healthy weight. If you are currently at a healthy weight, make an effort to stay there by eating well and doing exercise most days of the week. Increase your physical activity level and cut back on your daily calorie intake if you need to lose weight. See your physician for assistance in formulating a sensible weight-loss plan.
• Talk to your doctor about increased risk of prostate cancer. You and your doctor may discuss drugs or other therapies if you have an extremely high risk of prostate cancer. Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart) are two 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that may lower your overall risk of prostate cancer, according to some research. These medications are used to manage hair loss and enlargement of the prostate gland. On the other hand, there is evidence to suggest that individuals using these drugs may be more susceptible to high-grade prostate cancer, a more dangerous form of the disease. Consult your physician if you’re worried about your chance of getting prostate cancer.
• Choose a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables. Consume a range of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Numerous vitamins and nutrients found in fruits and vegetables can improve your health. It’s still unclear whether a particular diet may prevent prostate cancer. However, consuming a balanced diet rich in different fruits and vegetables might enhance your general well-being.