How to Identify and Prevent Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among men, particularly those over 50. The disease develops when cells in the prostate, a walnut-sized gland that is part of the male reproductive system, begin to grow uncontrollably. As the cancer progresses, it can spread to other parts of the body, making early detection and treatment critical.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is a gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is located just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube through which urine and semen pass. Its main function is to produce a fluid that, together with sperm, forms semen. With aging, the prostate tends to increase in size, which can cause urinary problems, although this is not necessarily related to cancer.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate grow abnormally and uncontrollably. Although prostate growth is common in older men due to a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), this is not a form of cancer. Instead, prostate cancer involves the development of malignant tumors that can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or lymph nodes.

There are different types of prostate cancer, but adenocarcinoma is the most common. This type of cancer develops in the cells that produce prostatic fluid.

Risk factors for prostate cancer.

There are several risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer. Some of the main ones include:

• Age: The risk of developing prostate cancer increases significantly with age, especially after age 50.
• Family history: Men with close relatives (father, brother) who have had prostate cancer are more likely to develop the disease.
• Race: African-American men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer compared to men of other races, and they also tend to have a more aggressive cancer.
• Diet and lifestyle: A diet high in animal fats and low in vegetables may be linked to a higher risk. Obesity and lack of physical exercise may also increase the risk.
• Genetic factors: Mutations in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are also linked to breast cancer, may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Symptoms of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer in its early stages may not present any obvious symptoms. This makes it a dangerous disease as it can go unnoticed until it reaches a more advanced stage. However, when symptoms do appear, some of the most common ones include:

• Difficulty urinating: Difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine.
• Urinary frequency: Frequent need to urinate, especially at night.
• Pain or burning when urinating.
• Blood in urine or semen.
• Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis: This may indicate that the cancer has spread to the bones.
• Erectile dysfunction.

It is important to note that these symptoms can also be associated with other benign conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or urinary tract infections. Therefore, it is essential that any man who presents these symptoms consults a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis of prostate cancer.

There are several tests to diagnose prostate cancer, and your doctor will determine which ones are necessary depending on your symptoms and history. The most common tests include:

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: PSA is a protein produced by the prostate that may be elevated in men with prostate cancer. However, high PSA levels can also be caused by other benign conditions, so this test alone is not definitive.
• Digital rectal exam (DRE): In this procedure, the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the patient's rectum to feel the prostate and detect any abnormalities or masses.
• Prostate biopsy: If abnormal results are found on PSA tests or a rectal exam, your doctor may recommend a biopsy, in which a small amount of prostate tissue is removed to be tested for cancer cells.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans: These tests can help determine if cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Prostate cancer treatment.

Treatment for prostate cancer depends on several factors, including the size of the tumor, how quickly it is growing, whether it has spread to other parts of the body, and the patient's overall health. Treatment options include:

• Active surveillance: For men with slow-growing prostate cancer, your doctor may recommend regular monitoring rather than immediate treatment. This includes regular PSA checks and rectal exams to monitor any changes.
• Surgery: In cases where the cancer is confined to the prostate, radical prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) may be an option. This surgery can be performed traditionally or using minimally invasive robotic techniques.
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells. It may be an option for patients who do not want surgery or for those whose cancer has spread.
• Hormone therapy: Also known as androgen deprivation therapy, this option reduces levels of testosterone, a hormone that promotes the growth of prostate cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: In more advanced cases, especially when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, chemotherapy may be necessary.
• Targeted therapies and immunotherapy: Advances in cancer research have made it possible to develop therapies that specifically attack cancer cells. In addition, immunotherapy uses the body's immune system to fight cancer.

Prevention and early detection.

Although prostate cancer cannot be completely prevented, there are steps that can help reduce the risk. Maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption are general recommendations for improving health and reducing the risk of several types of cancer.

Early detection of prostate cancer is crucial to improving survival rates. Beginning at age 50, or earlier if there is a family history or risk factors, men are advised to undergo regular check-ups that include PSA testing and rectal examination.

Common myths about prostate cancer.

There are several myths surrounding prostate cancer that are important to dispel. One of the most common is that all men who have an elevated PSA level have prostate cancer. As mentioned above, an elevated PSA can be caused by other conditions. Another myth is that prostate surgery always causes urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction. While these side effects are possible, they are not inevitable, and advances in surgical techniques have improved outcomes.

Prostate cancer is a serious disease, but with early diagnosis and proper treatment, many men can live full lives. Education about risk factors, early detection, and advances in treatment have greatly improved survival rates. As research continues, the outlook for prostate cancer patients continues to improve, underscoring the importance of being well-informed and seeing your doctor regularly for preventive checkups.