Early detection is crucial when it comes to prostate cancer. That’s why you should know the early signs and symptoms. Online research empowers informed discussions with your doctor about prostate cancer tests and treatments.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is a common cancer that affects the prostate, a small gland in men that produces seminal fluid.1 The prostate gland is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis.
Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland begin to grow out of control. These cells can form a tumor that can block the urethra, causing difficulty urinating. Prostate cancer can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, lungs, and liver.
Prostate Cancer: Why Early Detection Matters
Early detection of prostate cancer is important because it can lead to more effective treatment and a better chance of survival. When prostate cancer is detected early, it is often confined to the prostate gland and can be treated with surgery or radiation therapy.2 However, when prostate cancer is detected at a later stage, it may have spread to other parts of the body and may be more difficult to treat.
There are a number of screening tests available for prostate cancer, including the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and the digital rectal exam (DRE). The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a protein that is produced by the prostate gland. High levels of PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer, but they can also be caused by other conditions, such as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland) or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, an enlargement of the prostate gland).
The DRE is a physical exam in which a doctor inserts a finger into the rectum to feel the prostate gland. A hard or lumpy prostate gland can be a sign of prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Options: What to Know
There are a number of different treatment options available for prostate cancer, depending on the stage of the disease and the patient’s overall health. Treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.
Surgery is a common treatment for prostate cancer. The goal of surgery is to remove the entire prostate gland and any surrounding tissue that may be affected by cancer. Surgery can be performed in a variety of ways, including open surgery, laparoscopic surgery, and robotic surgery.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be given before surgery (neoadjuvant radiation therapy), after surgery (adjuvant radiation therapy), or as a standalone treatment.
Learn More About Prostate Cancer
There are a number of resources available to help you learn more about prostate cancer, including the American Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute, and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. These organizations can provide you with information about prostate cancer, including risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options. Online research can help you know everything you need to know about prostate cancer.