Prostate Cancer
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is an abnormal growth in the prostate gland—a small, walnut-sized gland found below the bladder in men. The gland is an essential part of the male reproductive system by secreting seminal fluid to nourish and carry sperm.
Prostate Cancer Types
Acinar Adenocarcinoma
•The most frequent type, arising from gland cells. Generally slow-growing and can be detected incidentally by routine screening or prostate biopsies.
Ductal Adenocarcinoma
•A less common, more aggressive type that occurs in the prostate ducts. Usually with urinary symptoms and necessitates more aggressive treatment.
Small Cell Carcinoma
•A rare and very aggressive form. Grows rapidly and may not increase PSA levels, so early detection is difficult. Treated mainly with chemotherapy.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
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Trouble starting or stopping urination, weak or interrupted urine flow.
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Needing to urinate more often, especially at night.
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Presence of blood that may change the color of urine or semen.
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Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.
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Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis.
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Involuntary leaking of urine.
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Unexplained tiredness and loss of weight without trying.
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Numbness or weakness that may occur if cancer spreads.
What’s Notable
Prostate cancer is among the most common cancer diagnoses in men globally.
It is the second most diagnosed cancer among men worldwide.
Developed nations like the United States, Canada, and Australia have high incidence rates primarily because of higher awareness and extensive screening.
When to Seek Help
See a doctor if you have any of the symptoms above, or if you have risk factors like family history or are over age 50 with urinary changes. Immediate medical attention is needed for severe symptoms such as inability to urinate, fever with urinary pain, or signs of spinal cord compression like leg weakness or loss of bladder control.
Prostate Cancer Causes & Risk Factors
Age
The risk increases sharply after age 50; the majority of cases occur in men aged 65 and older.
Family History
Having a close relative (father, brother) with prostate cancer doubles the risk.
Genetics
Mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, and HOXB13 genes increase susceptibility.
Diet and Lifestyle
Obesity, high-fat diet, and low physical activity are linked to higher risk, though evidence varies.
Hormonal Factors
Testosterone may influence cancer cell growth, though this relationship is complex.
Occupational Exposure
Long-term exposure to chemicals, such as in firefighting or metalworking, might increase risk.
Ethnicity
African-American men have higher risk in Western countries; this pattern is less evident in the Indian population.
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
Step 1: Initial Symptoms & Check-up
Symptoms: Changes in urine, hematuria, pelvic discomfort. The doctor conducts rectal exam and symptom check
Step 2
PSA Blood Test
Step 3
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Step 4
MRI/Ultrasound & Biopsy
Step 5
Gleason Score & Staging
Step 6
Personalized Treatment Plan
Prostate Cancer Treatment & Therapy
Chemotherapy
What it does:
Kills rapidly dividing cancer cells in the body.
Common drugs:
Docetaxel, Cabazitaxel
Side effects:
Hair loss, fatigue, low blood counts
Targeted Therapy
What it does :
Attacks cancer-causing mutations
Common drugs:
PARP inhibitors (e.g., Olaparib)
Side effects:
Anaemia, nausea, fatigue
Immunotherapy
What it does:
Assists immune system in identifying and targeting cancer.
Common drugs:
Sipuleucel-T
Side effects:
Chills, fever, fatigue
Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy)
What it does:
Blocks testosterone that energizes cancer growth
Common drugs:
Leuprolide, Degarelix
Side effects:
Hot flashes, low libido, bone thinning
External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT)
What it does:
Directs high-energy beams at the cancer.
Treatment duration:
5 days/week for 6–8 weeks
Side effects:
Urinary irritation to the urine, bowel problems, fatigue
Brachytherapy
What it does:
Implants radioactive seeds in the prostate
Treatment duration:
One-time or short-course treatment
Side effects:
Urinary irritation, impotence
Radical Prostatectomy
What it does:
Removes the prostate and seminal vesicles entirely
Treated for:
Localized prostate cancer
Recovery:
4–6 weeks.
Nerve-Sparing Prostatectomy
What it does:
Spares nerves controlling erectile function
Treated for:
Selected early-stage cases
Recovery:
4–6 weeks
Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection
What it does:
Removes the lymph nodes surrounding the prostate
Treated for:
Staging and high-risk cancer
Recovery:
2–3 weeks.
Androgen Receptor Inhibitors
Goal:
Block residual testosterone activity
What it involves:
Drugs like Enzalutamide or Apalutamide
Used for:
Castration-resistant prostate cancer
Palliative Care
Goal:
Alleviate symptoms and preserve quality of life
Used for:
Pain relief, emotional support, and nutritional support
Management & Prevention
Follow Medical Advice
•Adhere strictly to your treatment plan, attend follow-up appointments, and monitor symptoms.
Exercise
•Engage in gentle physical activity like walking or pelvic floor exercises to improve strength and urinary control.
Nutrition
•Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to support overall health and recovery.
Symptom Management
•Work with your healthcare team to control side effects such as fatigue, urinary issues, or sexual dysfunction.
Seek Support
•Connect with counselors, support groups, or mental health professionals to address anxiety, depression, or stress.
Open Communication
•Talk openly with family and friends about your feelings and needs to foster understanding and comfort.
Stress Reduction
•Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, or yoga to ease psychological burden.
Healthy Habits
•Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption to improve treatment outcomes and reduce further health risks.
Sleep Hygiene
•Prioritize consistent, restful sleep to aid healing and energy restoration.
Monitor Symptoms
•Stay alert to any new or changing symptoms and maintain regular communication with your healthcare provider.
Why Choose Everhope For Prostate Cancer?
New cases of were diagnosed in India
Deaths were due to prostate cancer
Most diagnosed cancer among men worldwide
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FAQs on Prostate Cancer
No question is too small when it comes to your care
Early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms. Later signs can include difficulty urinating, frequent urination, blood in urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, pelvic pain, and fatigue.
Risk factors include age (mostly men over 50), family history, certain gene mutations (BRCA1/2), obesity, diet, and some occupational exposures.
Diagnosis involves PSA blood tests, digital rectal exams, imaging scans, and sometimes biopsies to confirm cancer and assess its aggressiveness.
Many prostate cancers detected early are treatable. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, and active surveillance.
Common side effects include urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, bowel problems, and hormonal changes depending on treatment.
Some prostate cancers are linked to inherited gene mutations. Having a close relative with prostate or related cancers increases risk.
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