Prostate Cancer: Causes, Signs, Survival Rate & Prevention

What is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is a small gland that is only present in men. Prostate gland produces semen, which provides nutrients to sperm and also helps in their transport. Prostate gland is located between urinary bladder and penis.

When cancer occurs in prostate then it is known as prostate cancer. Prostate cancer happens when abnormal cells growth start in prostate gland and form a tumor. When it is left untreated it can be spread to the other parts of the body.

Prostate cancer is slow-growing cancer and has no early signs and symptoms. But with time, as cancer grows, then it starts to develop certain symptoms such as difficulty in urination, blood in semen or urine, pain in the pelvic area or pain in the lower back, and erectile dysfunction.

Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in men, and 1 in 8 men has prostate cancer at some point in their lives. But you should not be worried about it because it is treatable.

Usually, physicians treat prostate cancer with hormone therapy, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, depending on the severity and stage of the cancer. Early detection and following treatment protocol can recover prostate cancer in a short time.

Prostate cancer causes

The exact causes of prostate cancer are not been identified but researchers have explored lots of risk factors that increase the chances of prostate cancer in men.

Age

Age is the main culprit of prostate cancer because people develop it in their old age. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 60% of prostate cancer cases are found in men at the age of 65 or above.

But no one knows why prostate cancer is developed in old age. Researchers assume that it can be related to hormonal changes or DNA damage with time.

Family history

Genetic history also play important role in the development of prostate cancer. People who have a family history of prostate cancer are at higher risk of prostate cancer.

According to one study, people who develop prostate cancer, have a prostate cancer history in their family.

According to another study, people who develop prostate cancer, have no family history of prostate cancer.

In short, family history plays a crucial role in the development of prostate cancer. But not all case of prostate cancer is hereditary.

Race

In some races, prostate cancer is more prevalent as compared to other races. For example in African American men, the ratio of prostate cancer is high and they develop an aggressive form of prostate cancer.

The reason for this is not fully understood but it can be due to poor lifestyle, genetic disorders, and access to healthcare.

Genetic Mutations

The genetic mutation increases the risk of developing prostate cancer. For instance mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. These genetic mutations increase the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer in women.

Genetic mutation in other specific genes may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Lifestyle factors

Some lifestyle factors also increase the chances of developing prostate cancer, such as:

Eating a fatty diet: Studies have suggested that eating a high-fat diet increases the risk of prostate cancer.
Obesity: Obesity increases the risk of prostate cancer.
Smoking: Smoking is linked to causing many cancer types including prostate cancer.
Lack of exercise: lack of exercise and sedentary life increases the risk of prostate cancer.

The survival rate with prostate cancer

The survival rate for prostate cancer means, the percentage of people who survive after a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Prostate cancer survival rate depends on several factors, such as the stage of cancer, the age, the immune system of the body, and the treatment options chosen.

The detail of the survival rate for prostate cancer are:

Overall survival rate

The overall survival rate for prostate cancer is high. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), people who are diagnosed with prostate cancer can live up to five years 100 % at any stage of cancer.

In simple words, it means that all prostate cancer patients can survive for at least 5 years after diagnosis.

The 10-year relative survival rate of a prostate cancer patient is around 98%, while the 15-year relative survival rate is about 96%.

Survival rate by stage

The survival rate of prostate cancer depends on the stage of cancer. If cancer is localized and not spread to the other parts of the body, then there is a 100% chance for a patient to live for five years.

This means that man with localized prostate cancer can live for at least five years after a cancer diagnosis.

If cancer is spread to nearby tissues or organs, then there is a 99% chance for a man to live at least five years after diagnosis. This type is known as regional prostate cancer.

If cancer is spread to distant parts of the body, then there is a 30% of chance for a man to live at least five years after diagnosis. If cancer is spread to distant parts of the body then it is known as metastatic prostate cancer. But due advance technology, now patients with metastatic prostate cancer can live longer than five years.

Survival rate by treatment

The survival rate with prostate cancer also depends on the chosen treatment options. The common treatment for prostate cancer includes surgery, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.

If prostate cancer is treated with surgery or radiation, then the survival rate for localized cancer would be 100% for at least five years.

Usually, hormonal therapy is used to treat prostate cancer when it is spread to a nearby region or some far regions. The survival rate for prostate cancer treated with hormone therapy is around 80%.

Usually, chemotherapy is used to treat prostate cancer with it is spread to the other parts of the body. in simple words, chemotherapy is used to treat metastatic prostate cancer. The survival rate varies from person to person but it is just used to improve quality of life.

The prostate cancer survival rate is generally high for localized and regional prostate cancer. But due to advancements in technology, the metastatic prostate cancer survival rate is also improving. Individuals who are diagnosed with prostate cancer should discuss their treatment options with their physicians to find out the best course of treatment.

prostate cancer early signs

It is required for all men above 50 years to do regular screening because the early sign of prostate cancer is not visible. The sign and symptoms of prostate cancer appear as cancer grows.

Some common signs and symptoms of prostate cancer include:

Changes in urination

Urethra is a tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, when the size of the prostate gland enlarges or cancerous, then it causes a change in urination such as:

Frequent urination urges, especially at night
Weak or poor urine flow
Pain during urination
Difficulty in urination during starting or stopping
burning sensation during urination
Blood in semen or urine

Learn more about white particles in urine

Painful ejaculation

Prostate cancer causes pain during ejaculation and disturbs the orgasm.

Erectile dysfunction

Prostate cancer causes erectile dysfunction in men.

Legs weakness or numbness

In metastatic conditions, cancer spread to the bone of the spine or pelvis, where it put pressure on the nerves that innervate legs and feet and causes numbness and weakness.

Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis

Metastatic prostate cancer causes pain or discomfort in the hips, pelvis, or lower back.

Weight loss

Advanced prostate cancer causes unintentional weakness, fatigue, and weight loss.

Prevention of prostate cancer

To prevent prostate cancer then follow these tips in your daily life:

Keep your body weight normal

Obesity and being overweight are linked to a higher risk of prostate cancer. To prevent it then keep your body weight normal. If you are obese or overweight then start your weight loss journey immediately. It will not only protect you from prostate cancer but also from other lethal diseases.

Focus on a healthy diet

Always try to include vegetables, whole grains, fruits, and lean proteins in your diet because they reduce the risk of prostate cancer.

Avoid processed meat and saturated and Trans fat. Because they increase the risk of prostate cancer and other dangerous diseases.

Perform regular exercise

An active lifestyle and regular exercise reduce the risk of prostate cancer. If you are busy, then do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity such as brisk walking, stretching, swimming, and playing with kids.

Quit smoking

smoking is linked to many kinds of cancer including prostate cancer. To reduce the risk of prostate cancer then quit smoking.

Regular screening

If you are 50 years plus, then regular screening is necessary because there is no early sign of prostate cancer. Early diagnosis of cancer can reduce the mortality ratio. Cancer is treated when it is diagnosed in its early stages.

Prostate screening includes a PSA blood test and a rectal digital examination.

Talk to your family doctor

If you have a family history of prostate cancer or are African American then talk to your family doctor about your prostate gland health.

Summary

Prostate cancer affects prostate gland in men. It is the most 2^nd common type of cancer in the world.

The exact cause of prostate cancer is not known but certain factors play important roles in the development of prostate cancer such as age, family history, obesity, and diet.

Early diagnosis of prostate cancer increases the survival rate of individuals.

The early sign and symptoms of prostate cancer are erectile dysfunction, lower back pain, pain during urination, blood in semen or urine, and frequent urges of urine.

You can prevent prostate cancer through an active lifestyle, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and regular screening.

Author

Gowhar Ali

Pharm D, Mphil, Diploma in Nutrition
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