Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer: Men Over 50 Should Screen Early for Better Outcomes

Key Takeaway

• Prostate cancer begins when prostate cells grow abnormally, forming malignant tumors that may spread to other organs. It is most common in men aged 50 and older.
• The exact cause is unclear, but major risk factors include age, family history, male hormones, high-fat diets, obesity, and lifestyle behaviors.
• Treatments range from active surveillance, surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, to immunotherapy, depending on stage and patient health.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men worldwide, particularly those over the age of 50. The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum, responsible for producing seminal fluid.

Cancer develops when cells in the prostate begin growing uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors that can spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes, or bones. Often called a “silent threat,” prostate cancer may not cause clear symptoms in its early stages, making regular health checkups and screenings crucial for early detection.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of prostate cancer is not fully understood, but several factors increase risk:

• Age: Risk rises significantly after 50.
• Genetics & Family History: Having a father, brother, or close relative with prostate cancer raises the likelihood.
• Hormones: High levels of androgens (male hormones) may stimulate cancer cell growth.
• Diet & Lifestyle: High consumption of fatty foods, red meat, alcohol, or smoking contributes to risk.
• Obesity & Lack of Exercise: Linked to more aggressive disease progression.
• Chronic Inflammation or Infection: Long-term prostate inflammation may trigger abnormal cell growth.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Early Symptoms

In early stages, symptoms may be absent or mild, often mistaken for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). They include:

• Frequent urination, especially at night.
• Interrupted or weak urine flow.
• A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying.

Advanced Symptoms

As cancer grows or spreads, symptoms become more noticeable:

• Blood in urine.
• Pain or burning while urinating.
• Pain in the lower back, hips, or bones, indicating possible metastasis.
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue.

Prostate Cancer vs. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

While both conditions cause urinary difficulties, BPH is noncancerous and does not spread, whereas prostate cancer can metastasize to bones and other organs. Medical evaluation is essential to differentiate the two.

Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

Since early symptoms overlap with BPH, medical testing is essential:

• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): A doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to detect irregularities or hard nodules.
• PSA Blood Test: Elevated prostate-specific antigen levels may suggest cancer, though inflammation or BPH can also cause high results.
• Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS): Produces detailed images of the prostate for size and shape assessment.
• Prostate Biopsy: Tissue samples confirm cancer presence, type, and aggressiveness.
• Imaging (CT, MRI, Bone Scans): Detects cancer spread to bones or nearby organs, helping determine stage.

Stages of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is classified into four stages:

• Stage I: Small tumor confined to the prostate, usually symptomless.
• Stage II: Tumor larger but still within the prostate; may be detected by elevated PSA or DRE.
• Stage III: Cancer spreads beyond the prostate to nearby tissues such as seminal vesicles.
• Stage IV: Cancer metastasizes to lymph nodes, bones, lungs, or liver—considered advanced.

Treatment Options

1. Active Surveillance

• Recommended for slow-growing cancers detected early.
• Involves regular monitoring with PSA tests, DREs, and imaging.
• Helps avoid unnecessary treatment in elderly or less healthy patients.

2. Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy)

• Removes the prostate gland and sometimes surrounding tissues.
• Can be performed through open surgery, laparoscopy, or robot-assisted methods for faster recovery.
• Effective for cancers confined to the prostate.

3. Radiation Therapy

• Uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
• External beam radiation or internal brachytherapy may be used.
• Often an option for patients not suitable for surgery or as follow-up after surgery.

4. Hormone Therapy

• Reduces androgen levels that stimulate cancer growth.
• Used in advanced stages or when surgery/radiation is not viable.
• Available in oral or injectable forms.

5. Chemotherapy

• Uses drugs to kill rapidly dividing cancer cells.
• Suitable for advanced or hormone-resistant cancers.
• Side effects may include fatigue, nausea, or hair loss.

6. Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy

• Boosts the immune system to fight cancer or targets specific cancer cell mechanisms.
• Usually considered in advanced or treatment-resistant cases.
• Can extend survival and improve quality of life.

Prevention Strategies

Although not 100% preventable, men can reduce their risk through lifestyle choices:

• Healthy Diet: Eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while reducing red meat and high-fat foods.
• Exercise Regularly: At least 30 minutes daily to support immunity and circulation.
• Maintain Healthy Weight: Prevents obesity-linked cancer progression.
• Avoid Risky Behaviors: Quit smoking, limit alcohol, and minimize chemical exposure.
• Routine Screening: Men over 50 should undergo annual PSA testing and prostate exams.
• Monitor Symptoms: Persistent urinary changes should prompt medical evaluation.