UNDERSTANDING PROSTATE CANCER​

Author: Dr. Azam Nawaz

PROSTATE CANCER

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor in the prostate. There are several stages of prostate cancer. Most prostate cancers develop slowly and do not cause any symptoms. Fast-growing prostate cancer is less common. The risk of getting prostate cancer increases with age.

SYMPTOMS OF CaP

The symptoms may include:

  • Urinary symptoms such as urinary

  • frequency or a weak stream of urine

  • Blood in the urine

  • Erection problems

  • Urinary incontinence

  • Loss of bowel control

  • Pain in the hips, back, chest, or legs

  • Weak legs

DIAGNOSIS OF CaP

  • Digital rectal exam (DRE)

  • Prostate specific antigen (Serum PSA) test

TREATMENT OF CaP

Ca prostate is a hormone dependent (testosterone) malignancy like ca-breast. This has bearing throughout the course of disease. Various options of  treatment modalities are available at various stages of the disease.

  • Active surveillance and
    watchful waiting

  • Surgery-Radical prostatectomy

  • Radiation therapy

  • Hormonal therapy

  • Chemotherapy
    Immunotherapy and HIFU
    (High Intensity Focused Ultrasound)

CAN A MAN SURVIVE CaP

Yes. Today, more men are surviving prostate cancer than ever before. In fact, the number of deaths from prostate cancer has been declining since the early  1990s. If found early, the disease can very likely be cured.

Prostate Cancer – Myths & Facts

The first step in dealing effectively with prostate cancer is knowing the facts and eliminating confusion.

Myth #1: Prostate cancer is an old man’s disease

It’s rare for men under 40 to get it. If you have concerns, ask urologist if you should get tested earlier. Age isn’t the only factor. There are many risk factors like Race, family history, physical health and lifestyle-even geographic location-that can increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer.

Myth #2: If you don’t have any symptoms, you don’t have prostate cancer

Not true. Most men with early prostate cancer do not have any symptoms.
Common symptoms include: a need to urinate frequently, difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak or interrupted flow of urination, painful or burning urination, difficulty having an erection, painful ejaculation, blood in the urine or semen, or frequent pain and stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs. The use of PSA tests, digital rectal examinations (DRES) and prostate biopsies can help to diagnose prostate cancer in men even if you don’t have symptoms.

Myth #3: Prostate cancer doesn’t run in my family, so the odds aren’t great that I will get it

Family history and genetics do, however, play a role in a man’s chances for
developing prostate cancer. A man whose father or brother had prostate
cancer is twice as likely to develop the disease. The risk is further increased if the cancer is diagnosed in a family member at a younger age (less than 55 years old), or if has affected three or more family members.

Myth 4: The PSA test is a cancer test

Incorrect. The PSA test measures levels of prostate-specific antigen in the prostate, not cancer. PSA is produced by the prostate in response to a number of problems that could be present in the prostate including an inflammation or infection (prostatitis), enlargement of the Prostate Gland
(Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia – BPH) or, possibly, cancer.

Myth 5: You have to start treatment
right away

The type of treatment depends on following:
  • The cancer is in an early stage and is growing very slowly.
  • You’re elderly or have other illnesses. Prostate cancer treatment may not prolong your life and may make it harder to care for your other health problems.