Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among Indian men. The risk of prostate cancer is found to increase with age; men over 50 are found to have a higher risk of developing a prostate tumor. With regular screening, it is possible to detect prostate carcinoma in its early stages, when it is best treated.
Prostate cancer, or prostate carcinoma, refers to the tumor formation that occurs in the prostate gland due to the uncontrolled division of prostate cells. The prostate gland is an important part of the male reproductive system. It is located right below the bladder, and its primary function is to produce seminal fluid, which is responsible for nourishing and transporting sperm.
For better outcomes, it is important for prostate cancer to be detected in its early stages, when the disease is confined to the organ and can be treated effectively.
Globally, it is one of the most common cancers among men. The risk of prostate carcinoma increases with age, especially after the age of 50. Prostate cancer is also one of the most common cancers among Indian men. In recent times, the incidence of prostate carcinoma has been on the rise due to changing lifestyle factors.
Early detection and on-time treatment play an imperative role in effectively managing this cancer.
In most cases, the diagnosis is made in the localized state of prostate cancer, meaning the tumor is confined to the organ, and it can be successfully treated with the standard treatment available. However, in some cases, especially if the symptoms in the early stages are unchecked, the disease may spread to other parts of the body. The following are the common sites to which prostate carcinoma can spread:
In some cases, prostate cancer can spread to the lungs and cause respiratory symptoms, chest infections, and pleural effusions. In such cases, patients will need a multimodal approach for effective disease management.
Prostate cancer may also metastasize to the liver in some patients and cause jaundice and other liver-related problems. Patients may experience a loss of appetite and extreme weight loss.
In rare cases, prostate cancer may spread to the brain and lead to various symptoms like seizures, mood changes, headaches, and weakness.
Bones and lymph nodes are the primary sites for prostate cancer metastasis. In such cases, patients experience bone pain and have an increased risk of bone fractures.
There are different types of prostate cancer, depending on the cells from which it originates. Of all types, adenocarcinoma is the most common type of prostate cancer.
The following are the various types of prostate cancer:
The most common type of prostate cancer, adenocarcinoma, or prostatic adenocarcioma, arises from the glandular cells of the prostate gland. Prostatic adenocarcinoma grows slowly and is often diagnosed in a localized state. It is also one of the most treatable types of prostate cancer.
Acinar adenocarcinoma, also known as prostate acinar adenocarcinoma, arises from the acinar cells, which are responsible for the production of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and other components of the prostate fluid. The aggressiveness of prostate acinar adenocarcinoma varies from one patient to another.
Ductal adenocarcinoma begins in the duct cells of the prostate gland. It is a more aggressive subtype of prostate cancer; however, it is also rare. Also, this type of prostate cancer is diagnosed in its advanced stages.
Transitional cell carcinoma is another rare type of prostate cancer that starts in the cells of the urethral lining and may sometimes spread to the prostate gland. This prostate cancer type is more aggressive and may not always respond to standard treatments.
Squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate is a rare occurrence, and it arises from the flat cells present in the prostate gland. It is often aggressive, diagnosed in its advanced stages, and may show a poor response to standard treatments.
Small cell carcinoma of the prostate is a rare and highly aggressive variant of prostate cancer. It spreads to other parts of the body rather quickly and has a poor prognosis.
Prostate gland cancer is categorized into different stages depending on the disease’s extent and spread. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, various tests are recommended by doctors to accurately stage the disease, as disease staging is one of the imperative factors for treatment planning. The following are the different prostate cancer stages:
In stage 1, prostate cancer is localized, i.e., confined to the prostate. It may not cause any symptoms. Treatment options for a stage 1 prostate tumor include surgery, radiation, or active surveillance.
A stage 2 prostate tumor is also localized; however, the tumor size may be larger. Surgery, radiation therapy, and surveillance are the commonly recommended treatment options. Sometimes, hormone therapy may also be recommended.
In stage 3, prostate cancer may or may not have spread outside the prostate gland. At this stage, the disease may have locally advanced. Commonly recommended treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy.
In stage 4, prostate cancer has metastasized or advanced and has spread to distant organs or lymph nodes. Often, stage 4 prostate cancers are treated through systemic therapies.
In the early stages, prostate cancer may not show any symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, patients start experiencing various symptoms. Regular screening helps in catching prostate cancer even before the symptoms become apparent.
It is important to learn the different signs and symptoms of prostate cancer and the possible causes of prostate cancer for its accurate detection and timely management.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among Indian men. Prostate cancer risk increases with age; men over the age of 50 have a higher risk of developing this condition. Along with this, those with poor lifestyle habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and a positive family history of prostate cancer, also have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
In the early stages, prostate cancer is localized and can only be detected through screening tests. Many patients may not experience any symptoms at all. Patients start experiencing prostate cancer symptoms as the disease progresses to advanced stages.
The following are the most important prostate cancer symptoms one must keep an eye on:
When prostate cancer spreads beyond the organ, especially to the organs in the pelvic region, patients may start experiencing pain in the pelvic bone. Therefore, persistent pain in the pelvic region should not be ignored.
Frequent need to urinate, especially at night, is one of the common symptoms of prostate cancer. As the disease progresses, the prostate gland enlarges, and this causes the urethra to become narrow, which eventually leads to frequent urination in prostate cancer patients.
Prostate cancer can affect the prostate gland's structure, leading to bleeding. When blood vessels within or around the prostate are damaged or invaded by cancer cells, it can result in blood mixing with urine, causing hematuria.
Dysorgasmia, or painful ejaculation, is one of the important signs of prostate cancer. Changes in sexual function can occur when prostate cancer grows and puts pressure on the surrounding nerves and tissues that are involved in sexual function.
Prostate cancer can spread to nearby bones, particularly the pelvic bones, spine, and hips. This can weaken the bones and cause pain. Additionally, tumors within the prostate itself may press against nerves and cause discomfort in the lower back. Pain, as a prostate cancer symptom, may come and go and be persistent.
Unexplained weight loss is often associated with advanced stages of cancer, including prostate cancer that has metastasized. The body may divert energy and nutrients to fight the cancer, leading to weight loss and muscle wasting
Loss of appetite is one of the important symptoms of prostate cancer. Cancer and cancer treatments can affect a person's appetite and metabolism. Nausea, changes in taste perception, and the body's response to fighting cancer can lead to a lack of interest in food.
Metastatic prostate cancer, where cancer cells spread to the bones, can result in bone pain. Cancer cells in the bones can weaken them, making them more prone to fractures and causing pain, especially in areas like the spine, pelvis, or ribs.
Fatigue is one of the most important signs of prostate cancer. The body's response to cancer, along with the metabolic changes it induces, can lead to fatigue and weakness. Additionally, cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy, can contribute to fatigue.
Understanding the possible causes of prostate cancer is essential for prevention. Potentially, prostate cancer is caused by the following factors:
Age is a significant risk factor, with the chances of developing prostate cancer increasing with age.
Chronic inflammation in the prostate gland may contribute to the development of cancer.
A family history of prostate cancer and certain genetic factors can become one of the possible causes of prostate cancer.
Smoking is linked to an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
Excessive alcohol consumption may raise the risk, although the connection is still being studied.
Obesity is also identified as one of the possible causes of prostate cancer.
Certain ethnic groups, such as African-American men, have a higher risk.
Some research suggests having sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and not getting them treated in a timely manner may be one of the possible prostate cancer reasons.
We still do not know how prostate cancer occurs, and the factors discussed are identified as risk factors only. Having these risk factors does not guarantee a prostate cancer diagnosis; however, it can increase its risk.
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, especially persistent urinary issues, pain, or unexplained weight loss, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional. An oncologist or urologist can evaluate your symptoms, perform necessary tests, and provide guidance on further steps.
For the effective management of prostate cancer, it is always important to choose the right specialist. At HCG Cancer Hospital, we house a dedicated uro-oncology department with a robust team of prostate cancer specialists that specializes in managing prostate cancer with advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities.
When one presents with the symptoms of prostate cancer, the doctor will initially recommend a physical exam. If anything alarming is discovered during the physical exam, further tests will be recommended. The following are the different tests available for the diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Your healthcare provider will conduct a thorough medical history review, assessing risk factors and potential symptoms of prostate cancer. A comprehensive physical examination will also be performed to evaluate your overall health.
During a DRE, your doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for any irregularities, such as lumps or enlargement, in the prostate gland.
The PSA blood test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate gland. This method of testing for prostate cancer is simple and effective. However, it is important to note that other factors can also influence PSA levels, leading to the need for further evaluation.
PSMA PET scans use a radioactive tracer targeting prostate-specific membrane antigens (PSMA). As an important diagnostic test for prostate cancer, this technique provides highly detailed images to diagnose and stage prostate cancer accurately.
TRUS involves inserting a small ultrasound probe into the rectum to create real-time images of the prostate. It aids in visualizing the size, shape, and any abnormalities in the prostate.
Biomarker tests, such as the 4Kscore, assess the risk of aggressive prostate cancer by analyzing specific biomarkers in the blood, enhancing the accuracy of the diagnosis.
If initial screenings suggest potential cancer, a biopsy is performed, and this is an important diagnostic test for prostate cancer. During this procedure, small tissue samples are collected from the prostate for microscopic examination. Biopsy results classify findings into categories:
A cancer-positive report indicates the presence of cancer cells in the prostate tissue sample.
A cancer-negative report indicates the absence of cancer cells in the prostate tissue sample.
The reports are inconclusive, and therefore, a repeat biopsy or other tests should be performed for a definitive diagnosis.
MRI scans offer detailed imaging of the prostate, helping to identify the location, size, and characteristics of suspicious areas. This aids in effective prostate cancer treatment planning.
Bone scans are employed to detect the potential spread of prostate cancer to bones, a common site of metastasis. It is an important prostate diagnosis test that helps determine the extent of the disease.
CT scans provide cross-sectional images that assist in evaluating lymph nodes and other pelvic structures for signs of cancer spread, aiding in staging and treatment decisions.
Prostate cancer surgery is a common treatment option that involves the removal of cancerous tissue from the prostate gland or the entire prostate gland, which is known as a prostatectomy. This is often considered the best treatment for prostate cancer in its early stages. Based on individual case parameters, the following surgical approaches may be recommended.
This is a minimally invasive procedure wherein small incisions are made in the abdomen to insert specialized surgical instruments and a camera. The surgeon can view the prostate and surrounding area on a monitor and remove cancerous tissue. This minimally invasive approach often results in shorter recovery times and less pain compared to traditional open surgery.
This is also known as an open surgery, where a larger incision is made in the abdomen to access the prostate gland. The surgeon carefully removes the entire prostate gland, including the cancerous cells. Open surgery may be necessary in cases where the cancer is extensive or when laparoscopic techniques are not suitable.
Radiation therapy is a localized prostate cancer treatment approach that uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells. There are different types of radiation therapy for prostate cancer:
This involves directing radiation beams from outside the body toward the prostate gland.
It is a non-invasive procedure that typically requires daily sessions over several weeks. External beam radiation is effective at targeting cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
Brachytherapy is an internal radiation therapy where radioactive seeds or sources are implanted directly into the prostate gland or placed very close to it. This approach facilitates the precise delivery of radiation to the cancer site.
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a technique that uses focused ultrasound waves to heat and destroy cancerous prostate tissue. It is a minimally invasive procedure with fewer side effects and a shorter recovery period.
Cryotherapy, also known as cryoablation, involves freezing prostate tissue to kill cancer cells. This prostate cancer treatment is typically considered for localized prostate cancer or when other treatments have failed.
Hormone therapy, also called androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), is used to block the effects of testosterone, a hormone that fuels the growth of prostate cancer cells. Also referred to as prostate cancer medication in some cases, hormone therapy is reported to have a positive impact on prostate cancer management.
Medications or surgical procedures can be used to reduce testosterone production in the testicles.
Some drugs work by preventing testosterone from binding to prostate cancer cells, slowing their growth.
This is a surgical procedure where the testicles are removed, reducing testosterone production. Orchiectomy is a less common approach due to the availability of medications for hormone therapy.
Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells or slow their growth. It may be used when prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Immunotherapy harnesses the body's immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy for prostate cancer may work in the following ways:
Immunotherapy drugs can enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and attack prostate cancer cells.
Some immunotherapies are designed to assist immune cells in recognizing prostate cancer as a target.
Targeted therapies aim to inhibit specific molecules or pathways involved in cancer growth. These therapies are designed to be more precise and have fewer side effects compared to chemotherapy.
Prostate cancer supportive therapy is recommended for patients who are in the terminal stages of prostate cancer. Supportive care or palliative care helps patients manage pain and other discomfort caused by the disease. Palliative care aids in improving the quality of life for prostate cancer patients.
Understanding the specific type and stage of prostate cancer is crucial for making informed treatment decisions. Discuss these details with your healthcare team.
Maintaining open communication with friends and family provides emotional support throughout the treatment journey, improving overall well-being.
Seek guidance and insights from prostate cancer survivors who can share their experiences and offer valuable advice.
Prioritize self-care by focusing on nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being to enhance treatment outcomes and quality of life.
Address sexual health concerns with your healthcare team, who can provide guidance on maintaining intimacy during and after treatment.
At HCG, we are committed to providing comprehensive care for prostate cancer patients. Our dedicated team of prostate cancer specialists specializes in diagnosing, treating, and supporting individuals with prostate cancer, ensuring the best possible outcomes, and providing compassionate care. The best prostate cancer treatment facilities available at HCG have helped many patients in India and around the world conquer prostate cancer and live fulfilling lives.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among Indian men. Learning about the different factors that increase or decrease one’s prostate cancer risk is important, as this helps one gauge their prostate cancer risk and manage it appropriately.
From studies conducted over the years, we have identified a few factors that can increase the risk of prostate cancer. Some risk factors are modifiable, while others are not. Modifiable risk factors are mostly lifestyle-related, i.e., one may alter the risk associated with that factor by making certain changes to their lifestyle. Non-modifiable factors, on the other hand, are those that cannot be controlled, and the risk that comes with these factors cannot be modified.
Increasing age is an important prostate cancer risk factor. As men age, the cells in the prostate gland change and tend to become cancerous. Age is a non-modifiable prostate cancer risk factor.
Prostate cancer is relatively more prevalent among certain ethnicities. Prostate cancer is found to be more common among men of African-American, Latino, Hispanic, and American ethnicities. Prostate cancer is relatively less common among Asians.
Reports suggest that Africans are more likely to succumb to the diseases as compared to men of other ethnicities.
Certain inherited genetic mutations can also serve as a prostate cancer risk factor. Studies have reported that inherited variants of BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, CAPB, FANCA, HOXB13, HPCX, HPC1, and HPC2 genes are found to increase prostate cancer in men.
The association between BRCA1, BRCA2, ATM, and HOXB13 genetic mutations and prostate cancer risk is well-established; however, more studies are needed to understand how CAPB, FANCA, HPCX, HPC1, and HPC2 genetic mutations increase one’s prostate cancer risk.
Those who have a family history of prostate cancer, with close relatives diagnosed with prostate cancer, have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Shared lifestyle, environment, and genetic factors make family history an important prostate cancer risk factor.
Not consuming a healthy and balanced diet is another important prostate cancer risk factor. Consuming red meat, highly processed foods, and sugary foods, which are rich in saturated fats, increases the risk of chronic inflammation in the body, which in turn increases the risk of prostate cancer. This is a modifiable prostate cancer risk factor.
Exposure to certain hazardous chemicals can also increase one’s prostate cancer risk. Many studies have reported that exposure to herbicides, pesticides, aromatic hydrocarbons (monocyclic and polycyclic), bisphenol A (BPA), heavy metals, arsenic, etc. may increase prostate cancer risk in men.
Certain sexually transmitted infections have been found to be a prostate cancer risk factor. STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, genital herpes, and HPV infection can increase prostate cancer, especially if they are left untreated.
There is no known way to prevent prostate cancer. This is because we do not know the exact cause of prostate cancer. However, there are certain measures that can lower prostate cancer risk in men. In other words, these measures can increase the chances of prostate cancer prevention.
Regular prostate screening is recommended for individuals over the age of 50. Prostate cancer screening usually involves a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test and a digital rectal examination (DRE). These tests help in the early detection of prostate cancer.
It is important to note that benign prostate conditions, such as benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis, may also cause high PSA levels and an enlarged prostate. Therefore, after screening, it is important to see a specialist for a definitive diagnosis.
Obesity leads to chronic inflammation, which, in turn, increases prostate cancer risk. Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and exercising, on the other hand, is found to reduce one’s prostate cancer risk.
Regular exercise is important to maintain a healthy weight and prevent obesity. Getting 30 minutes of exercise every day has been found to positively impact overall health and reduce the risk of various diseases, including cancer.
Some studies have suggested that alcohol consumption can increase the risk of prostate cancer in men; however, the exact reason for this is not understood yet. The possible reasons include increased testosterone levels, increased oxidative damage, and weakened immunity caused by alcohol consumption. Therefore, refraining from excessive alcohol consumption can increase the possibility of prostate cancer prevention.
Tobacco consists of harmful carcinogens, which can increase the risk of various cancers, including prostate cancer, in men. Quitting smoking can increase the chances of prostate cancer prevention.
Consuming a balanced diet that comprises whole grains, pulses, vegetables, and fruits is important as it helps improve immunity, reduce oxidative stress, promote overall well-being, and eventually lower prostate cancer risk in men.
Those with occupational hazards from harmful chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, heavy metals, and organic solvents should diligently follow the safety guidelines and use appropriate protective equipment to minimize exposure.
Chemoprevention involves the use of specific drugs or supplements to reduce prostate cancer. Chemoprevention is a potential prostate cancer prevention measure among high-risk individuals. Finasteride and dutasteride, which belong to the class of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, are currently being recommended in some cases.
It is important to note that not all individuals with prostate cancer risk are eligible for chemoprevention. To understand this preventive measure in detail, one must talk to a specialist.
Prostate cancer, which is sometimes referred to as “male prostate cancer” by the general population, is a significant health concern among Indian men. It is necessary to understand what prostate cancer is, its different types, and its stages, as these support early detection and effective treatment. Prostate gland cancer is a highly treatable cancer with excellent 5-year survival rates, provided the disease is diagnosed in its early stages. Therefore, it is important for men to not ignore any prostate-related symptoms and immediately see a doctor when something is not normal.