Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide, according to data from the World Health Organization (WHO) GLOBOCAN database. This June we are observing Prostate Cancer Awareness Month with the theme “Prostate Cancer Sama-Samang Labanan, Tamang Impormasyon, Kailangan” which aims to promote health awareness, early prevention and screening strategies and streamline available treatments for men’s health.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer happens when normal cells in the prostate gland change into abnormal cells and grow out of control. The prostate gland makes fluid that is part of semen. This gland sits below the bladder and in front of the rectum, and forms a ring around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
Prostate cancer occurs most often in men older than 50. Although prostate cancer is very common, most men do not die from it. This is because prostate cancer usually grows very slowly.
Who is at risk of having prostate cancer?
- Men ages 40 and above
The most important risk factor for the development of prostate cancer is increasing age. Although prostate cancer is rare in men less than 40 years, its incidence increases progressively thereafter.
2. Family history of Prostate Cancer such as male sibling, father or grandfather
Genetic factors in the family may predispose someone to develop prostate cancer especially when an immediate family member was diagnosed.
3. Poor Diet and Unhealthy Lifestyle
A poor diet consisting of high saturated fat, red meats and processed foods may contribute to the development of obesity which is a risk factor for developing different types of cancer such as prostate cancer.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer often causes no symptoms at first. But if symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Needing to urinate more often than usual
- A urine stream that is slower than usual
These symptoms can also be caused by conditions that are not prostate cancer. But if you have these symptoms, consult your doctor.
How is prostate cancer screened?
Screening for prostate abnormalities can be done at the clinic through a physical exam maneuver called Digital Rectal Exam where the doctor inserts his finger into the anus to palpate the prostate for hardening or abnormal size. If there is a suspicious finding, the next step is to request for PSA test which is a blood test that measures the Prostate Specific Antigen in the blood which may be increased if there is an ongoing prostate abnormality.
Other tests include:
- Biopsy - A small sample of tissue from the prostate and will be examined for possible cell abnormalities
- Ultrasound, MRI scan, or other imaging tests – To visualize abnormal growths especially if tumor, spread to other organs is suspected
How is prostate cancer treated?
Depending on the stage of the disease, treatment options include:
- Active surveillance – Men who choose this option do not have treatment right away. But they do have routine tests to check whether the cancer starts to grow more quickly. If so, they can start active treatment then.
- Surgery – Prostate cancer can sometimes be treated with surgery to remove the prostate gland.
- Radiation therapy – Radiation kills cancer cells. Radiation can be given from a machine that moves around your body. Or a doctor might put a source of radiation directly into the prostate gland.
- Hormone therapy – Male hormones in the body make prostate cancer grow. Hormone therapy reduces the levels of these hormones, which can shrink the cancer. For hormone therapy, men might take medicines or opt for surgery which is usually only for men with advanced cancer.
- Chemotherapy – Chemotherapy is the medical term for medicines that kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Men with advanced prostate cancer might get chemotherapy if hormone therapy stops working. In some cases, chemotherapy and hormone therapy are given at the same time.
What happens after treatment?
After treatment, men will be monitored yearly for possible recurrence or complete removal of the cancer. Follow-up tests include PSA tests, exams, biopsies, or imaging tests.
How can prostate cancer be prevented?
By knowing your risk factors such as a family history of prostate cancer, you may start early lifestyle modifications such as shifting into a plant-based diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables and plant based protein sources such as soy, beans and legumes and limiting intake of red meats, processed foods and trans fat. Refrain from smoking or stop smoking and only drink alcohol moderately to reduce other lifestyle related risk factors. Having regular physical activity of at least 150 minutes per day can also help maintain good health and also prevent other comorbidities which may contribute to cancer. Overall, prevention is better than cure. Consult your doctor for personalized health assessment and wellness planning.
/AET
References:
- UpToDate (2022). Patient education: Prostate cancer (The Basics). UpToDate. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/prostate-cancer-the-basics?search=prostate%20cancer%20patient%20information&source=search_result&selectedTitle=2~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=2
- Sartor, A.O. (2022). Risk factors for prostate cancer. UpToDate. Retrieved from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/risk-factors-for-prostate-cancer?search=prostate%20cancer%20risk%20fACTORS%20PATIENT&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1
