What is Prostate Cancer?

A prostate is a gland found in all males of our species. The function of a prostate gland is to produce seminal fluid. The fluid is supposed to provide nourishment and enable the transport of the human sperm. A cancer of the prostate is when the cancer begins in its gland cells. Weighing around 30 grams, the prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. Prostate cancer therefore is naturally a type of cancer that originates in the prostate gland. It is when a group of cells start dividing at an abnormal rate. It is one of the most common forms of cancer found in men. The treatment and recovery depend on the stage of progression at which you have been diagnosed.

Our Oncology team at Medica has some of the best oncologists and oncosurgeons who are well supported by state-of-the-art cancer treatment equipment and technologies. We are offering our patients comprehensive therapeutics, surgery and post-surgery care at transparent rates.

Around 1 in 8 males will receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer at some point in their life. Knowing what causes it can help one fight it better. Prostate cancer can because of various factors such as:

• Age: Every man is at a risk. Those who are above 40 are at risk of prostate cancer
• Race or Ethnicity: Research shows that prostate cancer is increasing among Asian people living in urbanized environments, such as Hong Kong, Singapore and India.
• Genetic Mutation: Over time, individuals can develop symptoms due to changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.
• Exposure to Chemicals: Prolonged exposure to certain chemicals can also alter your genes and can cause your cells to behave abnormally.

Modifiable Risk factors

• Inactivity: Leading a seditious lifestyle devoid of any physical activity can put you at risk of prostate cancer.
• Diet: Having a diet rich in red meats or dairy products can also set off symptoms of prostate cancer.
• Lynch Syndrome: Lynch syndrome is a gene change you can get at birth. It can increase your chances of getting cancers, including prostate cancer.
• Smoking: Some researchers have shown smoking cigarettes can affect your chances.

Prostate cancer is classified into the following clinical stages:

T1: During the DRE or imaging (e.g., a computed tomography (CT) scan or transrectal ultrasound), the tumor cannot be felt or seen. It could be discovered through surgery for another medical problem.

T2: The prostate tumor appears to be contained. The doctor may feel the tumor during the DRE because of its size. Imaging may potentially reveal the malignancy.

T3: The tumor has spread beyond the prostate gland. It’s possible that it’s spread to the seminal vesicles.

T4: The tumor has migrated to regions other than the seminal vesicles around the prostate. The cancer could be growing in the rectum, bladder, urethral sphincter (muscle that controls urine), or pelvic wall, for example.

Every man should always keep a lookout for even the mildest symptoms. Generally it is advised to men to get routine checks done once they cross over 30. But if you are experiencing even mild symptoms of prostate cancer or inflammation, you should immediately book an appointment with a doctor.

Symptoms like extreme pain in abdomen or bloody discharge may warrant an immediate cancer screening.

You can reduce your risk of prostate cancer if you:

• Choose a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables.
• Choose healthy foods over supplements.
• Exercise most days of the week.
• Maintain a healthy weight.
• Talk to your doctor about increased risk of prostate cancer.

If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, your cancer treatment choices will be discussed with you by our cancer care team. It’s critical to weigh the advantages of each treatment option against the potential hazards and negative effects.

Medical Procedure: Treatment procedures like particle therapy, tele-therapy, brachytherapy and radiation therapy can be used in combination with other forms of treatment to cure one’s cancer.

Surgery: Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy, Radiosurgery, Prostatectomy, Radical retropubic prostatectomy and Laparoscopic surgery etc., are some of the surgical methods used by oncosurgeons.

Medications: Hormone Associated Therapy, Bone health, Chemotherapy, Hormone and Urinary retention medication, all these fall under the expertise of a medical oncologist who along with other experts determine the course and treatment for your medications.

Other forms of support and palliative treatments are also given to the patient as well.