Understanding Prostate Cancer: Definitions, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Posted in , by Echelon Health

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting men worldwide, and while the thought of it can be daunting, advancements in detection and treatment have significantly improved outcomes. This blog is written from information taken from the Wealth of Health podcast episode ‘PROSTATE CANCER | Why men must ACT NOW’.

 

Click the image above to watch the episode on YouTube. Alternatively, listen in on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/280XTseRS6evj4Q1LS32xJ?si=F3ks6QAySe2opfqWzL_j5Q

If you enjoy this episode, why not subscribe to the Wealth of Health and tune into our bi-weekly episodes on topical health concerns with the aim to demystify health issues and bring a moderate balanced view.

What is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It plays a crucial role in male reproduction by producing seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer occurs when the cells in the prostate gland start to grow uncontrollably, forming a tumour. In most cases, prostate cancer develops slowly, often without noticeable symptoms in its early stages. However, when it does cause symptoms, these can include difficulty urinating, pain, or sexual dysfunction.

Prostate cancer is primarily divided into two categories based on the aggressiveness and risk of spread: low-risk and high-risk prostate cancer. Low-risk prostate cancer tends to grow slowly and may not require immediate treatment, while high-risk prostate cancer is more aggressive and may require more urgent medical intervention.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer often doesn’t show any symptoms in its early stages. As the cancer grows, however, men may experience several warning signs, including:

  1. Urinary Issues: These are some of the most common symptoms of prostate cancer, including frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia), difficulty starting or stopping urine flow, weak or interrupted urine stream, and a feeling that the bladder hasn’t fully emptied after urination.
  2. Pain or Discomfort: Pain during urination or ejaculation, as well as general discomfort or pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis, may be signs of prostate cancer.
  3. Sexual Dysfunction: Problems like erectile dysfunction or painful ejaculation may also be linked to prostate cancer.
  4. Blood in Urine or Semen: In more advanced stages of prostate cancer, blood in the urine or semen can be a symptom.

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or infections, so it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation.

Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

If a healthcare provider suspects prostate cancer, they will usually begin with a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, which measures the levels of PSA in the blood. Elevated PSA levels can indicate the presence of prostate cancer, though other factors, such as an enlarged prostate or infection, can also lead to high PSA levels.

In addition to the PSA test, doctors may recommend further diagnostic procedures, such as:

  • Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A doctor may conduct a physical examination of the prostate to feel for any irregularities or lumps.
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI of the prostate helps create detailed images that can identify abnormalities. This test is often used to determine whether a biopsy is necessary.
  • Biopsy: If the MRI shows suspicious areas, a biopsy may be performed to collect tissue samples from the prostate for analysis. This is typically done using a needle inserted into the prostate, either via the rectum or through the perineum (the area between the scrotum and anus).

Preventative Measures and Lifestyle Choices

While there is no surefire way to prevent prostate cancer, certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing it. Here are some useful preventive measures:

  1. Regular Screenings: Starting in their 50s, men should discuss with their doctors whether regular PSA tests and digital rectal exams (DRE) are appropriate for early detection, particularly if they have a family history of prostate cancer.
  2. Healthy Diet: Research suggests that a balanced diet rich in nutrients may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Some key dietary recommendations include:
    • Tomatoes: Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect against prostate cancer. Cooked tomatoes, such as in tomato sauce, have been shown to release more lycopene, making them even more beneficial.
    • Cruciferous Vegetables: Vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale contain compounds that may help prevent the growth of cancerous cells. These foods are rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health.
    • Green Tea: Some studies have shown that the antioxidants in green tea, particularly catechins, may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Drinking a few cups of green tea each day can be beneficial.
    • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Found in foods like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts, omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that could play a role in reducing prostate cancer risk.
    • Limit Red Meat and Dairy: Some studies suggest that high consumption of red meat and dairy products may be linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer.  Plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and tofu can replace meat in your diet.
  3. Physical Activity: Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight is essential for overall health and may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Exercise has been linked to lower levels of inflammation and improved immune function, both of which could help lower the risk of cancer.
  4. Maintain a Healthy Weight: Obesity has been associated with an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can contribute to lowering your overall cancer risk.
  5. Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have been shown to increase the risk of several cancers, including prostate cancer. Quitting smoking and drinking in moderation can improve your overall health and reduce the risk of cancer.

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

Treatment for prostate cancer depends on several factors, including the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health and personal preferences. Here are the most common treatment options:

Active Surveillance (Watchful Waiting)

For men with low-risk prostate cancer, where the cancer is growing very slowly, active surveillance may be recommended. This approach involves regularly monitoring the cancer without immediate treatment. During active surveillance, doctors will perform periodic PSA tests, MRIs, and biopsies to check if the cancer has spread or changed.

This option is ideal for men who are older or have other health issues that may make aggressive treatment riskier or unnecessary. Active surveillance helps avoid the potential side effects of treatments like surgery or radiation while ensuring that the cancer is monitored for any changes.

Surgery (Prostatectomy)

Surgery is often recommended for patients with medium to high-risk prostate cancer, where there is a need to remove the prostate gland. The most common surgical procedure for prostate cancer is called a radical prostatectomy, which involves removing the entire prostate along with some surrounding tissue.

While prostatectomy can effectively treat localised prostate cancer, it comes with potential side effects, including erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence. Recovery time can take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks, and there are risks associated with the procedure, such as bleeding, infection, and damage to surrounding organs.

Radiotherapy (Radiation Therapy)

Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to target and kill cancer cells. It can be used as a primary treatment for prostate cancer or after surgery if there is a risk of the cancer returning. Radiotherapy is typically administered in two ways:

  • External Beam Radiation: This involves directing radiation from outside the body toward the prostate.
  • Brachytherapy: This is an internal radiation treatment where radioactive seeds are implanted directly into the prostate.

While radiotherapy is effective, it can also lead to side effects, including urinary problems, erectile dysfunction, and bowel issues. These side effects tend to improve over time, but in some cases, they can persist long-term.

Minimally Invasive Focal Therapy

In the UK, a new, less invasive treatment called focal therapy has gained attention. This treatment focuses on targeting only the cancerous areas within the prostate, leaving the healthy tissue untouched. Focal therapy is suitable for men with medium-risk prostate cancer, especially those who want to avoid the side effects of surgery or radiation.

Focal therapy can be performed using different techniques:

  • High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): This involves using sound waves to heat and destroy cancerous tissue with millimetre precision.
  • Cryotherapy: This method involves freezing cancer cells to destroy them.
  • Irreversible Electroporation (NanoKnife): This technique uses electrical currents to break down the cancer cells.

Focal therapy offers a much lower risk of side effects compared to traditional treatments. Men who undergo focal therapy often experience minimal incontinence and a 5 to 10% chance of erectile dysfunction. The recovery time is also significantly shorter, with most men returning to normal activities within 3 to 4 weeks.

Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy)

Hormone therapy is used to lower the levels of testosterone, a hormone that can promote the growth of prostate cancer cells. This treatment is often used for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer when the disease has spread beyond the prostate gland.

While hormone therapy can slow down the growth of the cancer, it comes with side effects, such as hot flashes, loss of libido, and osteoporosis (weakened bones).

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy may be used for prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland or is resistant to hormone therapy. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill rapidly growing cancer cells. However, it is typically reserved for cases where other treatments are not effective, as it can cause significant side effects, such as fatigue, nausea, and hair loss.

Deciding on Treatment

The decision to treat prostate cancer and which treatment to pursue is highly personal. It depends on factors such as the type and stage of cancer, age, overall health, and the potential risks and benefits of each treatment. For some men, avoiding treatment altogether through active surveillance may be the best option. For others, a more aggressive approach may be needed.

It’s essential for men to have open discussions with their healthcare providers about their concerns, treatment options, and quality of life considerations. Being well-informed about the potential side effects and recovery time of different treatments can help patients make the most informed decision for their specific circumstances.

 

Prostate cancer is a serious health concern for men, but with early detection and advancements in treatment, many men can manage or even overcome the disease. From active surveillance for low-risk cases to focal therapy and minimally invasive treatments for medium-risk patients, there are numerous options available to treat prostate cancer with fewer side effects than ever before.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns about your prostate health, consult with a doctor and discuss whether a PSA test and other diagnostic procedures are right for you. Early detection and a tailored treatment approach can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for men with prostate cancer.

By understanding the symptoms, treatment options, and incorporating preventive lifestyle changes, you can take proactive steps to support your prostate health and reduce the risks of prostate cancer.

 

Echelon Health Offers World Leading Health Assessments

When you turn forty years old, it is highly suggested that you get a fully comprehensive health assessment which includes screening for prostate cancer for men.

At Echelon Health, we are proud to offer a Platinum Assessment that is highly effective in detecting a wide array of illnesses. In fact, we can identify up to 92% and 95% of the preventable causes of death in men and women, respectively.

 

If you have any questions contact our team to speak with our Head of Private Clients or check out our health assessment packages for more information on the assessments we can offer you!

 

Did you enjoy this blog? If so, we think you’d enjoy the Wealth of Health podcast. Find us on YouTube and Spotify

 

 

Further Reading on Prostate Cancer

https://www.pcf.org/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/prostate-cancer/

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