Prostate Cancer: A Serious Illness That Men Must Be Cautious

     Prostate Cancer (Prostate Cancer) is a common cancer in men, especially those aged 60 and older. It occurs when prostate cells grow abnormally and rapidly, eventually forming a tumor that obstructs the urinary tract. These cancer cells can spread to other organs such as the seminal vesicles, bladder, lower ureters, lymph nodes, bones, lungs, and liver, causing damage to those organs and potentially leading to death.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

The incidence of prostate cancer is currently increasing. Risk factors include:

• Age: The risk increases with age, most commonly found in men aged 60 and over.
• Genetics: Those with a family history (father or siblings) of prostate cancer are at a higher risk than the general population.

Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer

This disease develops gradually and may not show any symptoms in the early stages until the cancer cells grow enough to compress the urethra, causing urinary issues such as:

• Slow urine flow, hesitancy, and difficulty starting urination
• Frequent urination
• Feeling like the bladder is not completely empty after urinating
• Blood in the urine
• Urinary incontinence

Stages of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is divided into 4 stages:

• Stage 1: Early stage; cancer is found only in one lobe of the prostate and has not spread.
• Stage 2: The tumor is larger, found in both lobes, but has not yet spread.
• Stage 3: Cancer cells have spread to the outer surface of the prostate or into the seminal vesicles.
• Stage 4: Cancer cells have spread to other organs such as the bladder, lower ureters, lymph nodes, bones, liver, and lungs.

Treatment of Prostate Cancer

1.  Surgery

     Doctors may consider surgical removal of the tumor. This method yields good results and is suitable for younger patients who are physically strong and have no other health conditions that would affect the surgery. It can be performed via open surgery or laparoscopy.

2.  Radiation Therapy

     To avoid major surgery in older patients or those ineligible for surgery, radiation can be delivered externally or via radioactive implants directly into the prostate.

3.  Active Surveillance

     Monitoring the disease and symptoms without immediate treatment is suitable for elderly patients or those in early stages.

4.  Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy)

     The doctor, in consultation with the patient, may opt for surgical removal of both testicles or medication to reduce male hormone levels.

5.  Chemotherapy

     Chemotherapy is typically used when hormone therapy is no longer effective.

Revised

19/09/2022