Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men after skin cancer, affecting 13 out of every 100 men in the US. It is estimated that approximately 268,490 American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer this year. The general 5-year survival rate of this cancer is 98%, but it is only 31% for those diagnosed at the later stages (when cancer has spread outside of the prostate). That is why it is crucial to have regular cancer screenings to detect the condition earlier when it is easy to treat and cure.

Knowing the warning signs of prostate cancer will help you diagnose and treat it at the earliest while preventing it from worsening further. Let us discuss them.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

In the male reproductive system, the prostate is a walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder surrounding the urethra and is responsible for producing fluids that form semen. Prostate cancer occurs when the cells constituting the prostate gland starts growing abnormally or uncontrollably.

Though most cases of prostate cancer are adenocarcinoma (grows in the tissue of the prostate gland), some other types of cancer can also emanate from the prostate, including:

• Sarcomas – Bone cell cancer
• Small Cell Carcinoma – Lung cancer
• Transitional Cell Carcinoma – Kidney cancer
• Neuroendocrine Tumors – Pancreatic cancer

Prostate cancer is also classified depending on how quickly it grows, including:

• Aggressive (fast-growing)
• Non-aggressive (slow-growing)

As aggressive cancer grows fast, it can spread to other body parts, such as bones, and become metastatic.

What Are the Causes of Prostate Cancer?

The exact cause of prostate cancer is still unknown, but researchers have underlined certain risk factors that can lead to prostate cancer. For example, researchers believe that certain DNA or genetic code mutations can cause prostate cancer. Inherited mutated breast cancer genes - BRCA1 and BRCA2 are believed to be one of the causes of prostate cancer. Also improper diet can also lead to prostate cancer.

What Are the Possible Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer?

While any man can get prostate cancer, some factors may increase the risk of the condition, including:

1. Age

Your risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, especially after you turn 50. Approximately 60% of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men above 65 years or older.

2. Family History

As mentioned above, inherited genes can cause prostate cancer. You may have an increased risk of developing the condition if your grandfathers, brother, or father have or had prostate cancer. This familial prostate cancer contributes to 20% of diagnoses.

3. Obesity

Obese men are more likely to develop aggressive (fast-growing) prostate cancer. Lack of physical exercise also increases the chances of having prostate cancer.

4. Prostatitis

Inflammation of the prostate gland may increase your risk for the disease.

5. Diet

A diet high in fat, calcium, red meat or animal meat, and junk foods is a huge risk factor for prostate cancer.

6. Ethnicity and Race

Black people are more vulnerable to prostate cancer compared to Asians and Caucasians. Similarly, African-Americans and Caribbean people are at greater risk than Asian Americans and Hispanic Americans.

7. Linoleic Acid

Linoleic acid is used in oil paints, vegetable oils, and varnishes. High intake or exposure to this acid can also increase the risk of prostate cancer.

8. Vasectomy Surgery

This surgery (to make a man infertile) may slightly increase your prostate cancer risk.

What Are the 5 Common Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer?

The following five early warning signs of prostate cancer will help navigate you to a quick diagnosis and treatment, increasing your chances of cure and survival.

• Blood in the semen or urine
• Burning sensation or pain during ejaculation or urination
• Sudden erectile dysfunction
• Frequent urination (especially at night)
• Trouble starting or holding back urination

Besides these, other possible symptoms (involving the urinary system) of prostate cancer are:

• Weak, interrupted, or dribbling urine flow
• Pain or stiffness in the hip, thighs, lower back, or pelvis
• Reduction in the ejaculated fluid
• Pressure or pain in the rectum

If your prostate cancer has become metastatic, you may also experience symptoms such as:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Lower body swelling
• Abnormal bowel or urinary habits

What to Do If I Have Any of These Symptoms?

Having any of these symptoms does not mean you have prostate cancer, as prostatitis and other less serious and non-life-threatening health conditions can also cause some of these symptoms. Visit your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis as soon as you develop prostate cancer symptoms. Early diagnosis will help you receive treatment on time, so you can effectively manage your condition, even if you are diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is usually treated by a urologist or an oncologist. The most common treatment options include:

• Observation or active surveillance
• Radiation therapy
• Prostatectomy
• Cryotherapy
• Hormone therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy

Active surveillance, radiation therapy, and prostatectomy are used for cancer in its early stages, while chemo and immunotherapy are more effective in the most advanced stage of prostate cancer.

Contact Professionals at COHA for Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

If you or your loved one experiences any symptoms of prostate cancer, schedule an appointment with us today at Chesapeake Oncology-Hematology Associates for timely diagnosis and care. We have board-certified oncologists who develop a personalized prostate cancer treatment regimen to minimize your risk while improving your health and wellness. We also provide professional medical advice to help manage the disease for your lifetime.