Prostate Cancer

Overview

One in six men will develop prostate cancer. This makes it the most common type of cancer in America. Luckily, there is a 100% survival rate of five years if the cancer is detected in its early stages, and the 15-year survival rate is 56%.

Causes

The causes of prostate cancer are currently unknown. All that is known are some factors that increase men’s chances of developing this type of cancer, and that testosterone helps these cancerous cells grow. Therefore, steps are usually taken to decrease testosterone levels in men with prostate cancer.

Risk-Increasing Factors

Prostate cancer has some risk-increasing factors, some of which are inherent. Men are at a greater risk if:

1. They have a family history of prostate cancer.

2. They are overweight.

3. They are African-American.

4. They eat a diet high in fats, especially those from red meat and animal products.

5. They are over the age of 50.

Early Detection

Early detection can be done through the following tests:

1. PSA blood test- this tests the level of PSA, an enzyme in seminal fluid and the bloodstream. Elevated levels are often an indicator of prostate cancer.

2. Digital rectal exam- this is performed along with the PSA test, and involves checking the rectum for hardness, bumps, or irregularities in the peripheral area of the prostate

Symptoms

Early symptoms of prostate cancer don’t always show up, so it is important to be screened regularly. However, many men experience these symptoms:

1. Frequent urination

2. Difficulty having an erection

3. Bloody urine or semen

4. Painful urination or ejaculation

5. Difficulty starting or holding urination

6. Frequent lower back, thighs, or hips pain

Prevention

Prostate cancer, unfortunately, cannot be prevented at this time because the main determinants (age, ethnicity and family history) are not reversible. The only steps for prevention are

1. Eating a diet low in fat, red meat, and animal products

2. Maintaining a healthy weight

Treatment

There are several treatment options for prostate cancer, though it is difficult to determine which is the best for each individual because the cancer behaves differently from case to case. However, the following options are available:

1. Surgery

2. Radiation therapy

3. Herbal supplements

4. Change in diet

5. Hormone deprivation- this includes suppression of androgens and testosterone, which fuel the growth of cancerous cells in the prostate.

6. Chemotherapy