Prostate Cancer

Causes

• Age: Risk increases with age, with most cases diagnosed in men over 50.
• Family History: Having a father or brother with prostate cancer increases the risk.
• Race/Ethnicity: African-American men have a higher risk of prostate cancer.
• Genetic Factors: Inherited mutations in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, may
  increase the risk.
• Dietary Factors: High intake of red meat or dairy products and low intake of fruits and
  vegetables may increase the risk.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese may increase the risk.
• Hormonal Factors: High levels of certain hormones, such as testosterone, may
  contribute to the development of prostate cancer.

Symptoms

• Urinary Symptoms: Difficulty starting or stopping urination, weak urine flow, frequent
  urination (especially at night), and pain or burning during urination.
• Blood in the Urine or Semen: Hematuria (blood in the urine) or hematospermia (blood
  in the semen).
• Erectile Dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
• Pelvic Discomfort: Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, lower back, hips, or upper
  thighs.
• Bone Pain: Pain in the bones, especially in the spine, hips, or ribs, if the cancer has
  spread to the bones.

Diagnosis

• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): Physical examination of the prostate through the
  rectum to check for abnormalities.
• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: Blood test to measure PSA levels, which may be
  elevated in prostate cancer.
• Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS): Imaging test using sound waves to visualize the
  prostate and guide biopsies.
• Prostate Biopsy: Removal of tissue samples from the prostate for examination under a
  microscope to confirm cancer.

Treatment

• Active Surveillance: Monitoring low-risk prostate cancer without immediate treatment,
  with regular check-ups and PSA tests.
• Surgery:
  • Radical Prostatectomy: Removal of the entire prostate gland and nearby tissues.
• Radiation Therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells, delivered externally
  (external beam radiation) or internally (brachytherapy).
• Hormone Therapy: Lowering testosterone levels or blocking its effects to slow the
  growth of prostate cancer.
• Chemotherapy: Drugs to kill cancer cells, used in advanced cases or when other
  treatments have failed.
• Immunotherapy: Boosting the immune system to fight cancer, used in certain cases.

Prevention

• Healthy Lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and
  maintaining a healthy weight may reduce the risk.
• Regular Exercise: Staying physically active may lower the risk of prostate cancer.
• Limiting Alcohol: Moderating alcohol consumption may reduce the risk.
• Not Smoking: Quitting smoking may lower the risk.
• Regular Screening: Discussing the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening with a
  healthcare provider, especially for men with risk factors.