Prostate cancer: A silent enemy

Prostate cancer is a disease that exclusively affects men and represents one of the most common health problems worldwide. As life expectancy increases, it is critical to understand and raise awareness about this disease, its risk factors, detection methods, and treatment options.

What is prostate cancer?

The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland found in men, just below the bladder. Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate experience abnormal and uncontrolled growth, forming malignant tumors. As the cancer progresses, it can affect other nearby tissues and, in advanced stages, it can spread to other organs in the body.

Risk factor's

Several factors can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Age is the most important risk factor, since the disease is more common in men older than 50 years. Other factors include a family history of prostate cancer, race (African-American men are at higher risk), obesity , exposure to certain chemicals, and hormonal imbalances.

Symptoms

In the early stages, prostate cancer may not have obvious symptoms. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, weak urinary stream, blood in the urine or semen, pain in the back, hips, or pelvis, and erectile dysfunction may appear. It is important to note that these symptoms may also be related to other health conditions, so proper medical evaluation is critical.

detection methods

Early detection of prostate cancer is essential for successful treatment. Screening methods include the prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test and the digital rectal exam ( ERD ). PSA is a protein produced by the prostate, and high levels in the blood can indicate the presence of cancer. ERD involves the doctor examining the prostate by inserting a lubricated finger into the rectum to check for abnormalities.

Treatment

The treatment of prostate cancer can vary according to the stage of the disease, the individual characteristics of the patient and the opinion of the medical team. Some of the more common treatment options include:

Active Surveillance: This option is considered for low-risk prostate cancers and involves close follow-up of the patient through regular PSA tests, digital rectal exams, and biopsies. The goal is to monitor the growth of the cancer and postpone active intervention until necessary.

Surgery : Radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure in which the prostate and, in some cases, nearby lymph nodes are removed. It can be done through an abdominal incision or by robotic-assisted surgery. Surgery may be an option for localized prostate cancers and may have side effects such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Radiation therapy : Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It can be given as external radiation therapy, which aims radiation from outside the body at the prostate, or as brachytherapy, which involves inserting small radioactive sources directly into the prostate. Radiation therapy can be a curative or palliative option, and it can also have side effects such as urinary or rectal irritation.

Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy seeks to lower testosterone levels in the body to slow the growth of testosterone-dependent prostate cancer cells. It can be achieved by drugs that block testosterone production or by surgical removal of the testicles. Hormone therapy can be used as the main treatment or as an adjunct to other treatments and can have side effects such as hot flashes, decreased sexual desire, and loss of bone mass.

Chemotherapy : Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. It is mainly used in advanced stages of prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy can have side effects such as fatigue, hair loss, nausea, and low blood cells.

Prevention and healthy lifestyle

Prevention of prostate cancer involves taking steps that can reduce the risk of developing the disease. Although prostate cancer cannot be completely prevented, it has been found that certain factors and behaviors can help reduce its incidence. Here are some prevention strategies that have been associated with reduced risk:

Healthy eating: Eating a balanced and healthy diet can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. It is recommended to consume a variety of fruits, vegetables and foods rich in fiber. Limiting saturated fat intake and avoiding trans fats may also be beneficial. Some studies suggest that a diet rich in tomatoes, fish, nuts, and olive oil may be especially beneficial.

Maintain a healthy weight: Obesity has been associated with an increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. Maintaining a healthy weight through a combination of proper eating and regular exercise can help reduce that risk.

Regular physical activity: Regular physical activity has been linked to a lower risk of prostate cancer. It is recommended to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise a week. Activities such as walking, running, swimming, or playing sports may be beneficial.

Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption has been associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer . It is recommended to limit alcohol intake or avoid it altogether.

Quit smoking: Smoking tobacco not only increases the risk of lung cancer, but it has also been linked to an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer. Quitting smoking can benefit overall health and reduce the risk of various diseases, including prostate cancer.

Regular screening exams: While screening exams won't prevent prostate cancer, they can help find it in its early stages when it's most treatable. Screening exams may include PSA tests and digital rectal exams. It is important to discuss the benefits and risks of screening with your doctor and make an informed decision.

Know the family history: If there is a family history of prostate cancer, especially in fathers or brothers, you may be at greater risk of developing the disease. In these cases, it is important to inform the doctor and consider closer follow-up.

We can conclude early detection and adequate treatment are essential to improve outcomes and survival. Men should be informed about risk factors, symptoms, and available screening options, and should maintain open communication with their doctors to ensure comprehensive, personalized care.