Treatments for prostate cancer in men have become a growing part of modern medicine. Chemotherapy, for example, is a powerful therapy that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. This type of treatment may involve using medications that are taken by mouth or injected into a muscle or vein. Because the drugs enter the bloodstream, they can affect cancer cells all over the body. Another type of treatment, targeted therapy, uses drugs that target specific cancer cells. This type of treatment may be more effective, but it can also have serious side effects, like impotence and leakage from the bladder or rectum.
The most important risk factor for prostate cancer is age. Despite its name, this disease rarely affects younger men. According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, only 1 in every 10,000 men under the age of 40 will develop the disease. Most cases are diagnosed in men over 65. Those with a family history of prostate cancer are more likely to develop the disease. The early stages of prostate cancer may show no signs at all, but it is still a risk factor to keep in mind.
Treatment for prostate cancer is largely dependent on the stage and Gleason score of the cancer. While doctors are not certain what causes this disease, certain lifestyle factors seem to increase the risk. Men should limit their intake of foods that damage DNA. These foods include red meat and dairy products. In addition, men should try to maintain a healthy weight. The risk of side effects may outweigh the need for immediate treatment. However, men who want to have children should discuss fertility options with their doctor.
Active surveillance, or watchful waiting, involves closely monitoring a patient’s condition. The purpose of this type of treatment is to identify early signs of a developing cancer. Some doctors may also use the term “watchful waiting” for men who have prostate cancer but have no symptoms. If the cancer is detected during a routine checkup, it will be monitored closely by a physician. Treatment will only begin if symptoms become worse. While some men may be able to wait and see, others will need to undergo more aggressive treatments.
Prostate cancer staging is a way of determining how much of the disease has spread. Stages are based on the results of diagnostic tests, including a PSA test. The doctor may also perform a biopsy to determine the extent of the disease. In some cases, the cancer may spread outside of the prostate, but the tumor itself is still contained within the prostate. Nevertheless, it is possible for it to recur and spread in other areas of the body.
This disease affects 250,000 men in the United States each year. It is most commonly diagnosed in older men. If detected early, it can be treated effectively. Several factors increase the risk of prostate cancer in men, including a family history of the disease. But a simple checkup can help diagnose the disease and begin treatment. There is also an increased chance of survival when the disease is detected early. If it has spread, it may spread throughout the body, which can make treatment for prostate cancer more difficult.
