Donate

Prostate Cancer

 

Understanding Prostate Cancer: A Crucial Guide for Men’s Health?

The prostate, a small walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system, plays a significant role in men’s health. Positioned below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, the prostate helps produce fluid for semen. Despite its small size, the prostate can significantly impact a man’s health, particularly when cancer strikes. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, but there’s hope. Over 99 percent of men survive when it’s detected early. Understanding the risks, screenings, and treatments is essential for maintaining good health.
Prostate Cancer
Recent Developments on Prostate Cancer
Sign up for Newsletter
Donate

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate gland begin to grow uncontrollably. While some prostate cancers grow slowly and remain confined to the prostate gland, others are more aggressive and can spread quickly. Early detection is crucial in managing prostate cancer effectively.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Understanding the risk factors is the first step in prevention and early detection. Here are some critical risk factors for prostate cancer:

Age

Men over 40 are at an increased risk. The risk continues to rise with age.

Race

Black and/or African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer and are also at a higher risk of developing aggressive forms of the disease. Black men are twice as likely to die from the disease.

Family History

A family history of prostate cancer significantly increases your risk. Those with three close relatives with the disease are almost certain to get it.

Genetic Mutations

Certain genetic mutations increase the risk, including BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations.

Veteran Status

Veterans, particularly those exposed to Agent Orange, are at a higher risk.

Medical History

Frequent bouts with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can increase the risk.

Environmental Exposures

Exposure to certain defoliants, chemicals, radiation, depleted uranium can heighten the risk and mortality of prostate cancer. Men with careers in farming, firefighting, and hold certain jobs in the military are heightened long-term risk.

Importance of Regular Screening

Over 99 percent survive when prostate cancer is caught early. Regular screening is vital for early detection. Here are the primary screening methods:

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: A blood test that measures the level of PSA in your blood. Elevated levels can indicate prostate cancer, although other conditions can also cause high PSA levels.

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): The physician may briefly feel the surface of the prostate for abnormalities to help make a determination for further testing.

MRI and Biopsy: If initial tests indicate potential cancer, an MRI or biopsy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and score the disease on something called the Gleason Scale. The score is made by adding up the total of the two biopsies with most cancer cells. It’s usually recommended to treat when scores are 8 or more unless there are other medical reasons. Scores of 6 and 7 may be an approach of active surveillance depending on a number of factors.

Arthritis Diagnostics

 Check Your Risk

Man with Blue Ribbon in front of building
Take a moment to assess your risk by answering the following questions:
Age
Are you over 40?
Race
Are you Black or of African American descent?
Family History
Do you have close relatives with prostate cancer?
Genetics
Have you or a family member been tested for BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations?
Veteran Status
Are you a veteran who may have been exposed to chemicals like Agent Orange?
Medical History
Have you experienced frequent issues with BPH?
Environmental Exposure
Have you been exposed to harmful chemicals or radiation in your environment?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, it’s essential to discuss these risk factors with your healthcare provider and consider regular screening.

Question to Ask your Doctor

The landscape of prostate cancer treatment has evolved significantly, offering various options tailored to individual needs. Here are some common treatments:

Active Surveillance

Is a treatment strategy often recommended for men with low-risk or very low-risk prostate cancer that is not causing symptoms and appears to be slow-growing. This approach involves closely monitoring the cancer over time without immediate intervention, such as surgery or radiation. The goal is to delay or avoid treatment and its potential side effects while keeping the cancer under control.

Key Components of Active Surveillance
Regular Monitoring

  • Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Tests: Blood tests to measure PSA levels, which can indicate changes in cancer activity. These are typically done every 6–12 months.
  • Digital Rectal Exams (DRE): Periodic physical exams of the prostate.
    Prostate Biopsies: Taken every 1–3 years or as needed to assess any progression in cancer aggressiveness.
  • Imaging Tests: MRI or ultrasound may be used to monitor changes in the prostate.

Surgery

Known as a radical prostatectomy, it involves the removal of the entire prostate gland and some surrounding tissues, including the seminal vesicles. It is typically recommended for men with localized prostate cancer (confined to the prostate) and is aimed at curing the disease by eliminating the cancerous tissue.

Types of Prostate Cancer Surgery

  • Open Radical ProstatectomyA traditional approach involving a single incision in the lower abdomen or perineum.
    Less commonly used today due to advancements in minimally invasive techniques.
  • Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy Involves small incisions and the use of long instruments and a camera to remove the prostate.
    Offers shorter recovery time and less scarring compared to open surgery.
  • Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy (RALP) The most common modern approach using robotic arms controlled by the surgeon.
    Provides greater precision, less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery.
    Minimizes damage to surrounding nerves and tissues.
  • Nerve-Sparing Prostatectomy It is designed to preserve the nerves that control erectile function.
    May not be an option if the cancer is close to or involves these nerves

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy is a common treatment for prostate cancer, using high-energy rays or particles to destroy cancer cells. It is a non-invasive or minimally invasive option, often chosen based on the stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences. Radiation can be used as a primary treatment, alongside other treatments, or for advanced or recurrent prostate cancer.

Types of Radiation Therapy for Prostate Cancer

  • External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
    How it Works: High-energy X-rays or proton beams are directed at the prostate from outside the body using a machine.
  • Internal Radiation Therapy (Brachytherapy)
    How it Works: Small radioactive seeds or pellets are implanted directly into the prostate.
  • Combination Therapy
    For higher-risk cancers, EBRT may be combined with brachytherapy or hormone therapy to enhance effectiveness.

Hormone Therapy

Also called androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), is a treatment designed to reduce or block the production and effects of male hormones, particularly testosterone, which can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells. Hormone therapy is not curative but helps to control cancer growth, often in combination with other treatments.

How Hormone Therapy Works
Prostate cancer cells rely on testosterone and other androgens to grow. Hormone therapy reduces androgen levels or prevents them from reaching cancer cells, slowing tumor growth or shrinking tumors.

Chemotherapy

It involves the use of drugs to kill rapidly growing cancer cells, including those that may have spread beyond the prostate. While it is not typically a first-line treatment for localized prostate cancer, chemotherapy is commonly used for advanced or metastatic cases, particularly when hormone therapy is no longer effective.

How Chemotherapy Works
Chemotherapy drugs travel through the bloodstream, targeting and killing fast-growing cells. This includes cancer cells, but normal cells that grow quickly (like those in hair follicles, bone marrow, and the digestive tract) can also be affected, leading to side effects.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy for prostate cancer is a treatment that harnesses the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It is typically used for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, particularly when other treatments like hormone therapy or chemotherapy are no longer effective.

How Immunotherapy Works
Immunotherapy enhances the immune system’s ability to identify and destroy prostate cancer cells. Prostate cancer cells can evade the immune system, and immunotherapy helps to overcome this by activating or modifying immune responses.

Types of Immunotherapy for Prostate Cancer

  • Cancer Vaccines
  • Sipuleucel-T (Provenge):
  • Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
    PD-1 Inhibitors
  • Targeted Immunotherapies
  • Cytokine Therapy (Under Research)

Targeted Therapy

Is a treatment approach that focuses on specific molecules or pathways involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which attacks rapidly dividing cells indiscriminately, targeted therapies are designed to minimize damage to normal cells by honing in on cancer-specific features.

 Questions to Ask Your Health Care Provider

Consider your treatment options by discussing these questions with your healthcare provider:
Stage of Cancer:
What stage is your cancer, and what treatments are most effective at this stage?
Side Effects:
What are the potential side effects of each treatment?
Lifestyle Impact:
How will each treatment impact your daily life and activities?
Genetic Testing:
Have you undergone genetic testing to determine if targeted therapy is suitable for you?
Clinical Trials:
Are there any clinical trials available that you might benefit from?
A nurse taking blood from a male patient

Prioritizing Your Health

Prostate cancer is a serious but manageable condition when caught early. By understanding your risk factors, committing to regular screenings, and exploring the array of modern treatment options, you can take proactive steps toward maintaining your health. Engage in conversations with your healthcare provider, stay informed, and prioritize your well-being.

Remember, your health is worth the investment. Stay vigilant, stay informed, and take action for a healthier future.

Prostate Cancer

Latest News

Loading RSS Feed

Related Links

Man on computer

Prostate Blog

The Lancet Commission on the future of Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer awareness Wristbands

Prostate Cancer Awareness Pin Card

Prostate Cancer Awareness Brochure (Spanish)

Physical Health

Cancer Main Page

Prostate Cancer Snapshot NCI

Prostate Cancer Incidence Mortality-Race-Age

Cancer Rate Prostate

Prostate Cancer CDC Congressional Districts

Prostate Cancer Proclamation President

PCA

Share This