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Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, other than skin cancer. With 1 in 8 men expected to be diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime, chances are high that everyone reading this article has been or will be touched by prostate cancer.
Thanks to ongoing advancements and treatment successes, survival rates for prostate cancer are incredibly high, especially when the cancer is found early and confined to the prostate or surrounding region. In the United States, the five-year survival rate for men diagnosed with early-stage prostate cancer is more than 99%.
Understanding prostate cancer
The prostate, a gland found only in males, is located between the bladder and the rectum. Its primary function is to produce fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Cancer develops when normal cells in the prostate gland become abnormal and grow out of control. In many cases, prostate cancer is relatively slow-growing.
Know your treatment options
A urologist or medical oncologist will recommend the best treatment plan for each patient’s unique needs. Decisions are made based on the type and stage of cancer, as well as the patient’s age, overall health status and preferences.
Because prostate cancer grows slowly and takes years to develop or spread, your doctor may recommend “watchful waiting” and continue to actively monitor the prostate with blood tests, biopsies or other screenings.
A surgical procedure known as a prostatectomy is a long-established treatment that surgically removes the prostate, which eliminates localized cancer.
Several types of hormone therapy are used to treat prostate cancer. Androgen deprivation therapy seeks to reduce the amount of testosterone produced by the body, which helps to slow or stop cancer cell growth.
Radiation therapy, the use of high-energy X-ray beams to shrink and destroy cancer cells and malignant tumors, is highly effective in curing or slowing the progression of prostate cancer. Radiation can be delivered from a machine outside of the body (external beam radiation) that directs radiation at the cancer cells or from radioactive materials placed into or near cancer cells (brachytherapy) on a temporary or permanent basis.
Virtually all forms of cancer respond to radiation therapy, which can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. Treatments are precise, safe and tailored to each patient’s needs. Increasingly, nonsurgical therapies such as stereotactic body radiation therapy can be delivered in short schedules, resulting in better outcomes, decreased cost and optimal patient convenience.
Should I get a second opinion?
A cancer diagnosis can be life-changing. Whether you are newly diagnosed or already receiving treatment, you want to be confident that your health care team is qualified and providing the highest-quality treatments to help you achieve the best possible outcomes. Little things can make a big difference, too. You will want to feel comfortable with your health care team to openly discuss personal information and issues that may arise throughout your treatment.
The importance of screenings
While prostate cancer can occur in men younger than age 50, the majority of cases (6 in 10) are diagnosed at age 65 or older. Research indicates that African American men are 60% more likely to develop the disease than white, Latino or Asian men.
Warning signs of prostate cancer can include:
• Frequent urination, often with the sudden need to urinate in the middle of the night
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in the urine
• Weak urine flow
Some men with prostate cancer have no symptoms — a fact that points to the importance of screenings. Early detection can make all the difference in treating the disease before it spreads, often resulting in a better outcome.
The American Cancer Society recommends prostate cancer screening beginning at age 50 for men who have an average risk and age 45 for African American men and any male with an immediate family member diagnosed with the disease before age 65.
Screenings may involve a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a substance made by the prostate. As a rule, the higher the PSA level in the blood, the more likely that a prostate problem is present. A digital rectal exam can also detect abnormalities in the prostate. If the result of either test is abnormal, your doctor may recommend a biopsy to investigate further.
Talk with your doctor to make the best personal decision about your prostate health and whether and when to undergo screening.
Ways to reduce your risk
While no one can control age and hereditary factors that can contribute to the development of prostate cancer, lifestyle changes can help decrease a man’s risk. A healthy diet and regular exercise are key factors men can control. Following a plant-based diet, maintaining a healthy weight and increasing exercise have all been shown to lower the risk of prostate cancer.
WORLD-CLASS CANCER TREATMENT, CLOSE TO HOME
About Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, LLC:
(FLCancer.com)
In Pasco County, board-certified physicians specializing in medical oncology, hematology, gynecologic oncology and radiation oncology provide personalized care for all forms of cancer and blood disorders. With extraordinary skill and experience, they deliver treatments with maximum effectiveness and safety, combined with compassion and concern for patients and their loved ones. From genetic screening to immunotherapies and access to the latest clinical trials, our top-ranked cancer experts provide the newest and most advanced treatments available — increasing cure rates and extending lives.
Want more information from cancer experts in your community?
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
1630 SE 18th St, Ste 602
Ocala, FL 34471-5472
4945 SW 49th Pl
Ocala, FL 34474-9673
For more information, visit FLCancer.com
