The prostate is a gland present in males that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and carries sperms. When malignant cells grow in this gland, it is referred to as prostate cancer. The cancer is very common in men and may not cause any serious harm. Some forms of it may develop gradually and require minimum or no treatment. This cancer, when detected and treated early, offers patients a better chance of a full recovery.

Here’s a detailed overview of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis as well as treatment of the disease.

Causes of prostate cancer

Age: The risk of acquiring the disease tends to increase with age and is seldom found in men who are less than 40 years old.

Genes: People who have a family history of the disease are at a higher risk of getting the condition too. The risk tends to rise more when several members of the family have been diagnosed with this cancer.

Ethnicity: People of African-American ethnicity have been known to stand a higher risk of getting the disease, and that too at an early age. The possible reason behind it is not known, but it might be because of diet, environmental, and socioeconomic factors.

Tobacco: Men who have the habit of smoking are at a higher risk of acquiring the disease. They are also at a higher risk of losing their lives due to this cancer.

Poor lifestyle: The consumption of foods that have a high calorific content, fats, and sugar are also known to be a contributing factor to prostate cancer, as these foods may cause obesity, thereby elevating the risk of getting the disease.

Symptoms of prostate cancer

The disease doesn’t display relevant symptoms in the early stages; however, when it advances, it does show some symptoms, which include:

• Problem while urinating
• Presence of blood in the urine and semen
• Reduced force in the stream of urine
• Unexplained loss of weight
• Erectile dysfunction
• Pain in the bones, hips, back, and thighs

Diagnosis of prostate cancer

There are mainly two types of tests that are conducted to diagnose the disease.

Prostate antigen test

This is a type of blood test that is used to determine the level of PSA present in the blood. PSA is a form of protein that is produced exclusively by the prostate. A high level of PSA indicates that there is a problem with the prostate. However, not all high PSA readings indicate cancer, and the level can also rise due to inflammation in the prostate or enlargement.

Digital rectal examination

The DRE or digital rectal examination is another test conducted to identify the disease where the medical practitioner checks the shape or thickness of the prostate by inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum.

Treatment of the disease

Prostate cancer treatment depends on the stage as well as the type of the disease. The commonly used treatment plan involves:

Watchful waiting

This method is adopted for patients who are experiencing the slow growth of the disease. It involves regular check-ups for any possible signs that are becoming aggressive.

Surgery

The treatment involves removing the prostate as well as nearby lymph nodes through surgery.

Radiation

The use of radiation therapy is the most commonly adopted practice for prostate cancer that has not spread. Additionally, it is used post-surgery and to relieve pain in patients whose cancer has spread to the bones.

Hormone therapy

This treatment is adopted in the advanced stages of the disease. The therapy involves the use of certain drugs to restrict the formation of the hormone testosterone, which enables cancer to grow.

Food regime

Eat loads of fruits and vegetables

To lower the risk of cancer, it is important to eat a nutritious diet involving a healthy amount of fruits and vegetables, as these comprise many vitamins and minerals that work towards boosting overall health. Additionally, these include cancer-fighting phytochemicals such as lycopene and carotenoid. Also, cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, turnips, horseradish, and broccoli are rich in isothiocyanates that are known to safeguard against cancer.

Opt for foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids

There is a close link between omega-3 fatty acids and cancer, as omega-3 fatty acids are known to reduce the risk of cancer and its progression. This fatty acid also aids in cell death and suppresses the growth of cancer cells. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are fish such as sardines, trout, and salmon, nuts including walnuts, seeds like flaxseed, and soybean oil.

If you are at risk of this cancer, then it might be best to consult your doctor for a screening test.