What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the small gland under the bladder in men called the prostate. The cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of prostate cells and can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Prostate cancer is common in men and usually occurs in older age. Women cannot develop prostate cancer because they do not have a prostate gland.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
Prostate cancer may initially be asymptomatic, but as it progresses it may show some symptoms. These include frequent urination at night, difficulty or pain when urinating, blood in the urine, pelvic discomfort such as hip and back pain, and erection problems. These symptoms can be confused with other conditions such as urinary tract infections or benign prostate enlargement, so a medical check-up is important.
Causes and Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer
Factors such as age, family history and ethnic origin may be effective in the development of prostate cancer. The risk increases especially in men over the age of 50. Individuals with a family history of prostate cancer and individuals with certain genetic mutations are also at higher risk.
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis Methods
The main tests used to diagnose prostate cancer are the PSA blood test and digital rectal examination (DRE). If there are suspicious findings, advanced imaging techniques such as biopsy, transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and MRI may be performed.
Prostate Cancer Stages
Prostate cancer is classified in four stages:
- Phase I: The cancer is confined within the prostate.
- Phase II The tumour affects a larger part of the prostate.
- Phase III The cancer has spread outside the prostate and reached nearby tissues.
- Phase IV The cancer has spread to distant organs or bones.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
Common methods of prostate cancer treatment:
- Active Surveillance: If the cancer is growing slowly, its development is monitored at regular intervals.
- Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy): It is the removal of the entire prostate.
- Radiotherapy High-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells.
- Hormone Therapy (Androgen Suppression): Male hormones are reduced to stop the growth of cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy and Targeted Therapies: It aims to destroy cancer cells in advanced stages.
- Immunotherapy: It enables the immune system to fight cancer.
- Bone Treatments: It is used to relieve the pain of cancer that has spread to the bones and to strengthen the bones.
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