Cancer that starts in the prostate, the reproductive gland that produces seminal fluid, is known as prostate cancer. It is one of the most common cancers affecting people assigned male at birth (AMAB). Some reports suggest that one in every eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lives. Although a serious disease, healthcare experts say it is treatable and curable when a person is diagnosed in the initial stages.

Symptoms of prostate cancer
While one may not experience any signs of prostate cancer early on, as the condition progresses, it may cause some warning signs.

– Trouble during urination
– Weaker stream of urine
– Blood in the urine
– Bone pain or pain in the back, hips, and/or pelvis
– A frequent urge to urinate, mainly at night
– Tiredness or fatigue

Causes and risk factors
Prostate cancer’s exact cause remains unknown, but researchers believe it develops as a result of specific changes in the glandular cells. These changes are referred to as prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) and are observed in over half the population of men over 50. The changes occur slowly, allowing any tumors to be diagnosed before cancer spreads.

Although the causes aren’t known, certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of prostate cancer.

– Age (increased risk of prostate cancer after 50)
– Long-term exposure to certain chemicals or radiation
– Higher intakes of calcium and dairy products (increases the risk by 30–50%)
– A family history of prostate cancer
– Genetic factors, such as inherited features to BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, or those with Lynch syndrome
– Eating high-fat foods

Treatment for prostate cancer
As every case is unique, doctors choose a treatment based on the stage of cancer, Gleason score, and PSA levels.

Watchful waiting
For small and localized cancers, doctors may just wait and monitor their progression. They may check the patient’s PSA levels regularly without taking immediate action.

Surgery
As the cancer grows, a radical prostatectomy may be required. Here, the surgeon removes the prostate, along with the tissue around it, seminal vesicles, and nearby lymph nodes.

Radiation therapy
Sometimes, killing cancer cells may become necessary to prevent them from growing. Doctors could do this via external or internal (brachytherapy) radiation therapy.

Hormonal treatment
This therapy option decreases the body’s androgens, the hormones that help prostate cancer grow. Doctors may perform it for a fixed time after radiation therapy to reduce the chances of recurrence.

Chemotherapy
This technique helps kill rapidly growing cancer cells and tackle prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

Targeted therapy
Here, the individual is given certain treatments that identify and attack abnormalities within cancer cells to kill them.

Immunotherapy
A strong immune system is necessary to respond to malignant tumors. So, doctors may recommend immunotherapy to bolster the body’s natural defenses against cancer.