Cancer of the prostate is one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer in men.
Prostate cancer affects close to three million men in the U.S each year. Despite its prevalence, it has a low morbidity rate with one in 41 men dying from it. It has a 98 percent survival rate as long as it is diagnosed and treated before it spreads to other parts of the body.
- With prompt diagnosis, prostate cancer can be quickly treated and eliminated.
- Men, especially those with risk factors for the illness, should learn what prostate cancer is and the possible symptoms to watch for.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is the presence of cancer in the prostate. The prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut that is located under the bladder and around the urethra in men. It impacts the flow of urine from the bladder and out of the body.
Doctors are not sure what causes prostate cancer. However, they believe it could be linked to obesity, genetics, and a family history of prostate or urethral cancer. They also suspect that men who are exposed to certain toxins like tobacco smoke could be at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
While they may not know the exact causes of prostate cancer, doctors do know about its symptoms. You can seek prompt treatment by recognizing the most common symptoms of prostate cancer.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer presents itself with numerous tell-tale signs that include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Slow stream of urine
- Bloody semen
- Pain in the pelvis
- Pain in the bones
- Problems achieving and maintaining an erection
If you suffer from any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor to be tested for prostate cancer.
How is Prostate Cancer Treated?
Prostate cancer is one of the easiest forms of cancer in men to treat. If it is caught early, most men can recover without experiencing any significant impacts to their normal lives.
One of the most common treatments for prostate cancer is a surgery called robotic-assisted prostatectomy. This operation involves the removal of the prostate using robotic technology. It is minimally invasive and relatively painless. Most men can resume their normal lives within two to three weeks after the surgery.
If the cancer has spread or is more advanced, the patient might need to undergo radiation and chemotherapy treatments. These treatments kill the cancer cells and prevent them from spreading to other parts of the body.
Patients also may undergo cryotherapy that freezes and kills cancer cells. Finally, your doctor may recommend that you undergo drug or immunotherapy to boost your immune system and help it kill cancerous cells in the prostate. The treatment that you go through will depend on how advanced the disease is and your overall health.