Men’s health at risk for prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (prostate cancer) is one of the most common cancers among men. Approximately one in seven men will face this diagnosis during his lifetime. However, with timely diagnosis and treatment, prostate cancer can be successfully treated. We will look at the key risk factors, symptoms, the importance of early diagnosis and preventative measures that can help reduce the likelihood of developing this disease.

What is prostate cancer?

The prostate gland is a small gland located below the bladder that is responsible for producing seminal fluid. Prostate cancer develops when cells in this gland begin to grow abnormally. In most cases, prostate cancer develops slowly, and many men can live with it for years without experiencing symptoms. However, in aggressive forms, the cancer can quickly spread to other organs and tissues, making it more dangerous.

Statistics and prevalence

According to the American Cancer Society, about 288,000 new cases of prostate cancer and 34,700 deaths from the disease are expected in the United States in 2023. This makes prostate cancer the second most common cancer in men, second only to skin cancer In the world, the situation is similar: prostate cancer is one of the leading cancers in men.

Main risk factors

There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing prostate cancer:

1. Age: The risk of the disease increases with age, especially after the age of 50. According to statistics, about 60% of all prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men over 65 years of age].
2. Heredity: Having close relatives (father, brother) with prostate cancer significantly increases the risk of developing the disease. Men with a family history of the disease have about twice the risk of developing it.
3. Race: African-American men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men of other races. They are also more likely to develop aggressive forms of the disease.
4. Diet and lifestyle: A high-fat diet, lack of physical activity, and obesity may also increase the risk of the disease. Recent studies have shown that diets rich in saturated fat and red meat may increase the likelihood of prostate cancer].

Symptoms and signs

In the early stages, prostate cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, the following symptoms may appear:

• Frequent or painful urination
• Weak or intermittent urine flow
• Blood in urine or seminal fluid
• Pelvic or lower back pain
• Erectile dysfunction

It is important to note that many of these symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious conditions such as an enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Therefore, it is extremely important to see a doctor for diagnosis when these signs appear.

Methods of early diagnosis

Early diagnosis of prostate cancer greatly increases the chances of successful treatment. There are several methods that can help detect cancer in its early stages:

1. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: This test measures PSA levels in the blood. Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, but they can also be caused by other conditions such as infection or benign hyperplasia. Nevertheless, the PSA test remains an important tool for early diagnosis ].
2. Finger rectal examination (FRI): The doctor examines the prostate gland through the rectum to look for changes in the size or shape of the gland.
3. Biopsy: If the results of the PSA test and FRI are suspicious, your doctor may order a prostate biopsy. This is a procedure in which a sample of prostate tissue is taken to examine for cancer cells.
4. MRI and ultrasound: Modern imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound (USG) can also be used to more accurately detect prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer prevention

While it is impossible to completely prevent prostate cancer, there are several ways to reduce your risk of developing it:

1. Healthy Eating: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fiber, and antioxidants may reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Foods rich in lycopene, such as tomatoes, are particularly beneficial for prostate health].
2. Physical activity: Regular exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of cancer. An active lifestyle also helps improve overall health and reduce inflammation in the body .
3. Controlling testosterone levels: High testosterone levels may be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer. In some cases, doctors may recommend monitoring hormone levels in the body to reduce the risk of the disease.
4. Regular checkups: It is recommended that men over the age of 50 have regular checkups with their doctor, including a PSA test and a finger rectal exam. Men with a family history of the disease should start screenings earlier, between the ages of 40-45.

Prostate cancer treatment

Treatment methods for prostate cancer depend on the stage of the disease and the general condition of the patient. The main methods include:

1. Surveillance: For slow-growing cancers, doctors may recommend active surveillance, which allows them to monitor the progress of the disease without immediate intervention.
2. Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in combination with surgery.
3. Surgery: Radical prostatectomy is the removal of the prostate gland. Surgery is one of the main treatments for localized prostate cancer.
4. Hormone therapy: This method aims to reduce testosterone levels in the body, which can slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. Hormone therapy is often used in combination with other treatments.
5. Chemotherapy: Used to treat more aggressive forms of prostate cancer, especially when the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland.

Conclusion

FOXXY: Prostate cancer is a serious disease that can significantly affect men's lives. However, timely diagnosis, regular medical check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can significantly reduce the risks. Men should pay attention to their health, watch their diet, lead an active lifestyle and have regular checkups with a doctor, especially after the age of 50.

Sources: