Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate gland, a walnut-sized
gland in men that produces fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer
is the most common cancer diagnosed in men in the United States, after skin cancer. It
is estimated that 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.
There are a lot of myths and misconceptions about prostate cancer. Here are some of
the most common myths, along with the facts:
Myth: Prostate cancer is only a problem for older men. Fact: Prostate cancer can occur
at any age, but it is more common in men over the age of 65.
Myth: If I don’t have any symptoms, I don’t have prostate cancer. Fact: Many men with
prostate cancer do not have any symptoms, especially in the early stages of the
disease.
Myth: There is no effective treatment for prostate cancer. Fact: There are a number of
effective treatments for prostate cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, and
hormone therapy.
Myth: Treatment for prostate cancer will always cause impotence and incontinence. Fact:
Treatment for prostate cancer can cause side effects, including impotence and incontinence.
However, these side effects are not always permanent, and there are ways to manage them.
It is important to talk to your doctor about prostate cancer, even if you do not have any
symptoms. Your doctor can help you understand the risks and benefits of screening and
treatment, and make the best decision for your health.
Early Detection and Treatment
Prostate cancer is a serious disease, but it is also a treatable disease. With early
detection and treatment, most men with prostate cancer can live long and healthy lives.
The best way to detect prostate cancer is through a combination of a blood test called
the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and a digital rectal exam (DRE). The PSA test
measures the amount of PSA in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate
gland, and an elevated PSA level can be a sign of prostate cancer. However, an
elevated PSA level can also be caused by other conditions, such as benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate gland. The DRE is a physical exam of the
prostate gland. The doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels
the prostate gland for any abnormalities.
If your PSA level is elevated or you have an abnormal DRE, your doctor may
recommend a biopsy of the prostate gland. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small
piece of tissue is removed from the prostate gland and examined under a microscope. A
biopsy can confirm the diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Treatment Options
The treatment options for prostate cancer depend on the stage of the cancer, the
patient’s age and overall health, and the patient’s preferences. The most common
treatments for prostate cancer are:
● Surgery: Surgery to remove the prostate gland (prostatectomy) is the most
common treatment for prostate cancer. There are two types of prostatectomy:
radical prostatectomy and nerve-sparing prostatectomy. Radical prostatectomy
removes the entire prostate gland, as well as the seminal vesicles and the lymph
nodes in the area. Nerve-sparing prostatectomy is a type of radical
prostatectomy that attempts to spare the nerves that control erections.
● Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
Radiation therapy can be used to treat prostate cancer that has spread outside
the prostate gland or to treat prostate cancer that has come back after treatment.
● Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy lowers the levels of testosterone, a hormone
that helps prostate cancer cells grow. Hormone therapy can be used to treat
prostate cancer that has spread outside the prostate gland or to treat prostate
cancer that has come back after treatment.
Living with Prostate Cancer
Many men with prostate cancer can live long and healthy lives. If you are diagnosed
with prostate cancer, it is important to talk to your doctor about your treatment options
and what to expect. There are a number of resources available to help you cope with
prostate cancer, including support groups, online forums, and educational materials.
Conclusion:
Prostate cancer is a serious disease, but it is also a treatable disease. With early
detection and treatment, most men with prostate cancer can live long and healthy lives.