Prostate Cancer
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer among men, and about 170,000 new cases of prostate cancer will occur this year. Fortunately, most cases that are found early are successfully cured. Prostate cancer may cause no symptoms in its early stages, so regular prostate cancer screening is recommended.
Risk Factors
Even though there is no known reason for prostate cancer, there are many risks associated with the disease.
- Age: As men age, their risk of getting prostate cancer goes up. It is rarely found in men younger than age 40.
- Ethnicity: African American men have a higher incidence of the disease.
- Family History: Men with a family history of prostate cancer also face a higher risk of also developing the disease.
- Smoking: Studies show prostate cancer risk may double for heavy smokers.
- Diet: Diet and lifestyle may affect the risk of prostate cancer. Your risk may be higher if you eat more calories, animal fats, refined sugar and not enough fruits and vegetables.
Diagnosis
“Screening” means testing for a disease even if you have no symptoms.
- The prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal examination (DRE) are two tests that are used to screen for prostate cancer.
Biopsy
- Tiny pieces of tissue are removed from the prostate and looked at under a microscope.
- Ask your provider about Pronox , an effective and non addictive option for superior comfort during procedures.
- This is the only way to know for sure if you have prostate cancer.
Testing and Treatment
Your treatment plan will depend on
- The stage and grade of the cancer
- Your risk category (whether the cancer is low, intermediate or high risk)
- Your age and health
- Your preferences with respect to side effects, long-term effects and treatment goals
Treatment include
Surveillance
Active Surveillance
Monitors the cancer growth with regular PSA tests, DREs and periodic biopsies
For low risk prostate cancer
Watchful Waiting
A less involved system of monitoring the cancer without treating it.
It does not involve regular biopsies
Best for men with prostate cancer who do not want or cannot have therapy.
Systemic Therapy
Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy is also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). It uses drugs to block or lower testosterone and other male sex hormones that fuel cancer
It is also used for a short time during and after radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells anywhere in the body. It is used for advanced stages of prostate cancer
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy stimulates your body’s immune system to find and attack cancer cells
Localized Therapy
Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALP)
Most common type of prostate cancer surgery done today.
Quicker recovery, less blood loss and better outcomes than open surgery
Radiation Therapy
High-energy rays to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.
Can be used as the primary treatment for prostate cancer (in place of surgery). It can also be used after surgery if the cancer is not fully removed or if it returns.
Cryotherapy
Controlled freezing of the prostate gland.
This treatment is for men who are not good candidates for surgery or radiotherapy because of other health issues.
Treatments include
Surveillance
Active Surveillance
Monitors the cancer growth with regular PSA tests, DREs and periodic biopsies
For low risk prostate cancer
Watchful Waiting
A less involved system of monitoring the cancer without treating it.
It does not involve regular biopsies
Best for men with prostate cancer who do not want or cannot have therapy.
Localized Therapy
Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy (RALP)
Most common type of prostate cancer surgery done today.
Quicker recovery, less blood loss and better outcomes than open surgery
Radiation Therapy
High-energy rays to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells.
Can be used as the primary treatment for prostate cancer (in place of surgery). It can also be used after surgery if the cancer is not fully removed or if it returns.
Cryotherapy
Controlled freezing of the prostate gland.
This treatment is for men who are not good candidates for surgery or radiotherapy because of other health issues.
Systemic Therapy
Hormonal Therapy
Hormonal therapy is also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). It uses drugs to block or lower testosterone and other male sex hormones that fuel cancer
It is also used for a short time during and after radiation therapy
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells anywhere in the body. It is used for advanced stages of prostate cancer
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy stimulates your body’s immune system to find and attack cancer cells