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Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a growth of abnormal cells that starts in the prostate — a small gland located below the bladder that helps produce semen. It is part of the male reproductive system.

This type of cancer is one of the most common in men. It is often detected early, and in most cases, it grows slowly. Many people diagnosed with prostate cancer are cured.

When detected at an early stage, patients usually have several treatment options, including surgery, radiation therapy, or active monitoring. If the cancer spreads beyond the prostate, it becomes harder to cure, but treatments can still slow its growth and improve quality of life.

Symptoms

Early-Stage Prostate Cancer

Early-stage prostate cancer often causes no noticeable symptoms. Most cases are found while the cancer is still confined to the prostate. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Blood in the urine (urine may appear pink, red, or cola-colored)

  • Blood in the semen

  • Frequent urination

  • Difficulty starting urination

  • Waking up often at night to urinate

Advanced (Metastatic) Prostate Cancer

When cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it may cause:

  • Accidental urine leakage

  • Back or bone pain

  • Erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting an erection)

  • Extreme fatigue

  • Unexplained weight loss

  • Weakness in the arms or legs

Causes

The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown. It develops when cells in the prostate mutate and grow faster than normal. Instead of dying as they should, these abnormal cells multiply, forming a tumor. In some cases, cancer cells break away and spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body.

Most prostate cancers grow slowly, and many are detected before they spread beyond the gland.

Risk Factors

Main Risk Factors

  • Age: Risk increases after age 50; about 60% of cases occur in men over 65.

  • Race/Ethnicity: Black men have a higher risk, often of more aggressive cancers. Asian men have the lowest risk.

  • Family History: Having a father, brother, grandfather, or uncle with prostate cancer increases your risk, especially if diagnosed before age 60 or if multiple relatives are affected.

  • Genetics: Mutations in genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, or those linked to Lynch syndrome can raise the risk.

Other Possible Factors

  • Obesity (BMI ≥ 30) or being overweight (BMI 25–29.9) — increases risk of advanced prostate cancer.

  • High levels of the hormone IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1).

  • Prolonged exposure to pesticides.

  • Smoking.

  • Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate).

  • Sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

  • Possible exposure to metals like cadmium.

Treatment & Management

Treatment depends on the stage, spread, growth rate, and the patient’s overall health. Care may involve urologists, medical oncologists, and radiation oncologists.

1. Surveillance (Monitoring)

  • Active Surveillance: Regular screenings, scans, and biopsies every 1–3 years for slow-growing, symptom-free cancers. Treatment starts if cancer worsens.

  • Watchful Waiting: Less frequent testing; focuses on symptom control for older patients or those with other serious health issues.

2. Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy)

  • Open Surgery: Single abdominal incision to remove the prostate.

  • Robotic Surgery: Minimally invasive approach using robotic arms controlled by the surgeon.

3. Radiation Therapy

  • Brachytherapy: Radioactive seeds implanted in the prostate to kill cancer cells.

  • External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT): High-energy X-rays target the tumor. Advanced forms like IMRT minimize damage to healthy tissue.

4. Systemic Therapies

  • Hormone Therapy: Lowers or blocks testosterone, which fuels cancer growth.

  • Chemotherapy: Destroys cancer cells; used alone or with hormone therapy for advanced disease.

  • Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system’s ability to attack cancer.

  • Targeted Therapy: Focuses on specific genetic mutations (e.g., BRCA).

5. Focal Therapy (for low-risk, localized cancer)

  • High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): Heat from sound waves destroys cancer cells.

  • Cryotherapy: Freezing cancer cells to kill them.

  • Laser Ablation: Heat destroys cancerous tissue.

  • Photodynamic Therapy: Light-activated drugs kill targeted cancer cells.

Reducing Risk

While there’s no guaranteed prevention, you can lower your risk by:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight and active lifestyle.

  • Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables.

  • Avoiding smoking.

  • Limiting exposure to harmful chemicals and pesticides.

  • Discussing family history and genetic testing with your doctor.