Prostate cancer is among the most common illnesses that affect men across the world. It has led to the death of thousands of men globally. In its early stages, it shows minimal or no symptoms. With no warning signs, it becomes difficult to detect the disease early. During the early stages, an individual feels no pain, and the growing tumor does not constrict the urethra.
The symptoms of the disease may differ from one man to another. The only sure way of detecting early warning signs of prostate cancer is through regular screening due to how complex this deadly illness is. Men are encouraged to go for a digital rectal exam or prostate-specific androgen test regularly.
When body cells grow out of control, there is a high likelihood of cancer. Prostate cancer occurs when the prostate glands grow out of control. The prostate glands are located below the bladder.
Many prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas and develop from the gland cells. Other types start in the prostate. They are rare and include the following:
• Sarcomas
• Small cell carcinomas
• Neuroendocrine tumors
• Transitional cell carcinomas
• Frequent urges to urinate at night
• Loss of bladder control
• Hematuria (blood in urine)
• Blood or pus in semen
• Painful ejaculation
• Pain or a burning sensation during urination
• Erectile dysfunction
• A decrease in velocity of the urine stream
• Pain or stiffness in the lower back, pelvis, hips, or thighs
• Interrupted urine flow
• Discomfort or pain when sitting
• A weak urinary system resulting in problems when urinating
• Blood in urine and semen
• Erectile dysfunction
• Pain in ribs, spine, and other areas where cancer has spread to the bones
• Numbness in legs
• Loss of bowel control
Some of the symptoms like trouble urinating are a result of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Even though most symptoms are caused by something other than prostate cancer, it is critical to alert your health practitioner if you experience any of the above symptoms.
Risk factors are the things that increase your chances of getting the disease. They may be things you can change or not. The risk factors that you can alter include habits like smoking. The ones you cannot change include elements like family history or age. Having specific prostate cancer risk factors does not mean you will get the disease. Some have more than one risk factor but end up not getting the disease. On the other hand, you may have none of the risk factors but still get the disease. The following are the common factors of prostate cancer:
Age
According to research, many men get prostate cancer when they reach 40 years and above. The disease is rare in men below 40 years. After the age of 50, the probability of getting the disease increases rapidly. For every 6 in 10 cases of the disease, you find men above 65 years.
Race/Ethnicity
Prostate cancer affects African-American men and men of African ancestry in the Caribbean, more often than other races. It develops in younger men of these races. The disease occurs less frequently in Hispanic/Latino or Asian-American men than non-Hispanic whites.
Geography
Prostate cancer is more common in specific areas compared to others. It is common in northwestern Europe, North America, Australia, and the Caribbean islands than in Africa, Asia, and Central America. The reasons why prostate cancer is more common in specific regions than others is not clear. Intensive screening in some of the developed areas plays an essential role in this difference. Other factors may include things like diet.
Family history
According to research, prostate cancer might be a genetic disease. There are cases where the genetic factor is involved, while in other cases, men hardly have any family history of it.
Family history is a significant risk factor, especially when you have several affected relatives. Interestingly, the risk is higher for men with brothers having the disease than those whose fathers have it.
Gene changes
Specific mutations of gene changes may increase the risk of prostate cancer. Overall, only a small percentage accounts for this.
Prostate cancer risk factors with less clear effects
Diet
The role the diet plays in prostate cancer is not clear. According to certain studies, men who eat many dairy products slightly stand a higher chance of getting the disease. Other studies show that those who consume high calcium levels from either food or supplements have a higher risk of developing the disease. The findings are yet to be confirmed. However, it is critical to note that calcium has other essential benefits.
Obesity
Studies indicate that obese men have a likelihood of getting prostate cancer than those who are not obese. Therefore, engaging in physical exercises or other weight loss activities might lower your risk of getting this deadly illness.
Smoking
A link between smoking and prostate cancer is yet to be found. However, heavy smokers have a slightly higher risk of dying from the disease. Tobacco smoking is deadly because it also leads to other high-grade cancers, including tongue, lungs, and mouth cancer.
Chemical exposure
There is some evidence showing that firefighters are at a higher risk of getting the disease due to the chemicals they are exposed to. A chemical used during the Vietnam War known as Agent Orange exposes the firefighters to the high risk.
Inflammation of the prostate
The prostate gland is one of the sensitive areas to research. Some studies have linked prostatitis, which is the inflammation of the prostate gland, with prostate cancer.
Vasectomy
Some studies indicate that men that have undergone vasectomy have a slightly higher chance of getting the disease. When you undergo a vasectomy, you increase the risk of dying from prostate cancer.
A lot of research and time is put to confirm what causes prostate cancer. Researchers are yet to come up with conclusive evidence on what causes the disease. They have found certain risk factors to be contributors. Research is still undergoing on how these factors may convert prostate cells into cancer cells.
In essence, prostate cancer is caused by changes in the DNA of a normal prostate cell. It results from DNA mutations or other modifications, keeping oncogenes turned on or turning off tumor suppressor genes. The condition can cause cells to grow out of control. The DNA changes may be inherited or acquired.
Despite the differences in various research, studies, and findings, they agree that there is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer.
There are several doctors involved in the treatment of prostate cancer. The main types of doctors include:
• Urologist: Treats diseases of the male reproductive system and the urinary system.
• Radiation oncologist: Treats cancer with radiation therapy.
• Medical oncologist: Treats cancer using treatments like chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and hormone therapy.
The doctors do not work alone. They require a team of other experts like nurses, nutritionists, social workers, and other health professionals.
Prostate cancer continues to affect men of different ages, races, or sizes. What causes it is not clear, and how to prevent it is yet to be known. Irrespective of age or profession, it is essential for men to go for regular prostate cancer screening. The screening is vital because it can assist in detecting the symptoms early. Once the signs are detected at their earliest stage, the treatment process will begin immediately, which will increase the chances of healing.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.