Prostate Cancer Awareness

Articles

Sep 1

Every month in September, we observe prostate cancer awareness month. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer occurring in men aside from skin cancer. In many cases, individuals do not present any symptoms until cancer has progressed. It is important that we promote awareness about prostate cancer and prostate cancer screenings to help individuals with early detection and overall prevention.

What is Prostate Cancer?

As the name suggests, prostate cancer is cancer that forms within the prostate of males. The prostate is a gland beneath the bladder which produces seminal fluid and moves sperm in the body. Depending on the individual, prostate cancer can be mild and require no treatment at all, or in other cases may be very severe and quickly spreading throughout the area. As with any kind of cancer, the cells in that area begin to replicate, sometimes slowly, sometimes rapidly and mutate normal cells into cancer cells. As men age, their prostate may grow in size naturally and is not necessarily an indication of prostate cancer.

There are a few different types of prostate cancer: adenocarcinomas, sarcomas, small cell carcinomas, neuroendocrine tumors, and transitional cell carcinomas. Adenocarcinomas account for nearly all cases of prostate cancer and are the most commonly seen type. This type starts to develop within the prostate gland. The other types of prostate cancer are typically rare.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Many men who have prostate cancer may not even know they have it until it has progressed. Other men will experience symptoms that may alert them of something amiss. Trouble urinating is one indication that prostate cancer may be present. Blood in the urine or semen is another warning sign. Men may experience sudden weight loss without explanation or intention, which is worthy of medical attention no matter the cause. Although it is common for men to experience erectile dysfunction, it could also be a symptom of prostate cancer. If any of these signs or symptoms are present, it is important that men receive proper medical attention to prevent any potential disease from continuing to grow.

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

The direct cause of prostate cancer is still relatively unknown to doctors and scientists. What they do know is that changes in the DNA within the prostate gland begin to grow cells at a rapid rate, which can then form a tumor. Men who have a history of prostate cancer in their families are at a higher risk of developing it. For unknown reasons, black men are also at a greater risk of developing prostate cancer in general and typically experience a more aggressive type of prostate cancer when present. It is most commonly diagnosed in men who are over 50 years old and the risk increases with age. Another risk factor is associated with weight. Men who are overweight have a much higher risk of developing prostate cancer in many cases. It is also indicated that prostate cancer is more likely to recur in individuals who are overweight.

Importance of Screening

Prostate cancer screening is one of the most effective ways of preventing serious cases of prostate cancer. As with most illnesses, early detection can make a great impact on the prognosis of a disease. Although screening for prostate cancer before any symptoms are present may seem unnecessary, if detected early enough, the cancer spread may be stopped before it starts. Generally, it is recommended that men near the age of 50 begin to receive prostate screenings according to their doctor’s advisement.

Treatment for Prostate Cancer

Depending on the severity and progression of cancer, treatment plans may follow different paths, similar to other types of cancer. Often, prostate cancer is slow-growing and does not require any type of invasive or medicinal treatment if it does not show signs of progression. In other, more severe cases, individuals may elect to undergo chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, cryotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or surgery as a part of their treatment plan.

Preventing Prostate Cancer

There are many ways to take a proactive approach to health and do what is possible to prevent prostate cancer from occurring. As with nearly all diseases, a healthy, nutritious diet is key to preventing illness. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of vegetables, fruit, and whole-grain will generally have a positive impact on your health. In addition to helping you age in a healthy way, a healthy diet ensures you are more able to maintain a healthy weight and reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer. Keeping your body as healthy as possible by incorporating good habits of diet and exercise can promote a better outcome. If you are at risk of developing prostate cancer, there are also ways in which your doctor may engage in medicinal alternatives to better maintain control of prostate gland enlargement.

For many individuals, prostate cancer can lead to other stressors or factors which have a negative impact on quality of life. Coping with a diagnosis or treatment can be difficult, but there are many ways to engage in therapeutic activities to ease the tension and stress. Occupational therapists work with individuals to help them learn strategies for coping such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, different forms of exercise, or other forms of art and movement therapy. Engaging in these alternative forms of medicine may be a helpful path for those who have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Looking for additional resources? We highlight awareness efforts each month and provide therapeutic activities you can engage with at home.