Prostate Cancer has unfortunately presented itself as one of the most common male cancers within the western world. There is much information about this disease on the Internet – some of this is helpful – some less so.
It is therefore essential that the patient seeks out the facts and is regular contact with their doctor
What is it?
The Prostate, or sex gland as it is often termed, is actually one of the more unusual aspects of the male reproductive system. The Prostate is essentially responsible for producing the sperm nourishing prostatic fluid found in semen. Cancer of the prostate gland develops when cells in the area begin to multiply at an uncontrollable rate.
Although in its early stages, it presents minimal complications, this slow growing cancer does need to be treated before it spreads to the bones located outside the prostate.
Who is affected?
Relatively little is actually known about the gland, although we do know that Prostate Cancer is the most common cause of cancer in men. It is responsible for a huge 25% of newly diagnosed cases of cancer in England and Wales. It is actually more common in men aged over 65 and in men from an African Caribbean or African descent. Within the UK prostate cancer is responsible for the death of approximately 9,000 men every year.
What are the symptoms?
Most men with early prostate cancer will actually exhibit little or no symptoms.
However, if you do experience any of the following symptoms it is important that you visit your Doctor.
o Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
o Having to rush to the toilet, so that you may even leak urine at times
o A difficulty in attempting to pass urine.
o A weak urine flow
o Dribbling when urinating
o Pain when passing urine.
o New pain in the lower back, hips or pelvis
What causes it?
There is actually no single cause that can be identified for the onset of this disease. However there are risk factors that can affect the genetic material of prostate cells and encourage subsequent cancerous activity.
Whilst factors such as age, ethnic group, and family history are impossible to control, cancer specialist have noted that a diet high in diary products and red meat can increase the risk of developing the condition.
* How is it treated?
Following your Doctor making a referral to a multi Disciplinary Team ( MDT) an assessment will be undertaken to establish whether the cancer is localized (i.e. only affecting the prostate), or in an advanced stage (the cancer has moved outside the prostate)
Treatments that can be utilized for localized Prostate Cancer can include one or more of the following:
o Active Surveillance – where the state of the cancer is closely observed and treatment is only commenced if absolutely necessary.
o External Beam radiotherapy – where radiation is used to kill cancer cells.
o Radical Prostatectomy – where the prostate is removed.
o Brachytherapy – here radioactive seeds are implanted into the prostate.
o High Dose Rate Brachytherapy – here temporary sources of radiation are targeted daily at the prostate.
If the cancer is locally advanced or advanced, you may instead be offered hormone therapy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy[y. At this point, it is actually no longer possible to actually cure the disease.
Instead treatments are aimed at the prolonging of life and relieving of symptoms.
* What are the likely side effects of Treatment?
Prostate Cancer Treatment is unfortunately often uncomfortable mainly due to the side effects experienced by patients. Post surgical effects can include urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction, while radio and chemotherapy can cause tiredness, nausea and hair loss.
These are important considerations but are put in context by the possibility of a greater return – that vitally important all clear diagnosis!
