What is it?
Prostate cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells in the prostate gland, a small organ below the bladder in men that produces part of the semen. It is the most common cancer in men, particularly in those over 50. Many prostate cancers grow slowly, but some can be aggressive and spread beyond the prostate.
Key Symptoms:
Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. When present, symptoms may include:
- Difficulty starting or maintaining urination
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Blood in urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Pain in bones (in advanced disease)
Risk Factors:
- Age (risk increases after 50)
- Family history (father, brother with prostate cancer)
- African or Pacific ethnicity (higher risk)
- Obesity and lifestyle factors
- Some inherited genetic mutations (e.g. BRCA2)
Diagnosis:
- PSA blood test (Prostate-Specific Antigen)
- Digital rectal examination (DRE)
- MRI scan to look for suspicious areas
- Prostate biopsy (usually transperineal) to confirm diagnosis
- Staging scans if cancer is suspected to be advanced
Treatment Options:
Treatment depends on the stage, grade (Gleason score), PSA level, age, and patient preference.
Options include:
- Active surveillance: Regular monitoring for low-risk, slow-growing cancers
- Surgery (radical prostatectomy): Removal of the prostate
- Radiotherapy: External beam or brachytherapy (internal seed implants)
- Hormone therapy: To lower testosterone that drives cancer growth
- Chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy: For advanced disease
- Palliative care: For symptom control in late-stage cancer
Why seek help?
Prostate cancer can often be treated successfully if detected early. Even advanced disease can be managed to improve quality of life and survival. Men should discuss PSA testing and risk factors with their doctor to decide if screening is appropriate.