Prostate cancer is a kind of cancer that develops in the prostate. In males, the prostate is a tiny walnut-shaped gland that generates seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. 

One of the most frequent kinds of cancer is prostate cancer. Many prostate cancers develop slowly and are restricted to the prostate gland, where they may not cause significant damage. While some forms of prostate cancer develop slowly and may require little or no therapy, others are aggressive and spread fast. 

Prostate cancer that is identified early, while it is still localized to the prostate gland, has the highest chance of being treated successfully.

Symptoms 

In the early stages of prostate cancer, there may be no signs or symptoms. 

More advanced prostate cancer can produce the following signs and symptoms: 

- Urinary incontinence 

- Decreased force in the urine stream 

- Blood in the urine 

- Blood in the sperm 

- Bone discomfort 

- Weight loss without effort 

- Erectile dysfunction

When should you see a doctor? 

Make an appointment with your doctor if you are concerned about any persistent signs or symptoms.

Causes 

It is unknown what causes prostate cancer. 

Doctors understand that prostate cancer originates when cells in the prostate undergo DNA alterations. The DNA of a cell includes the instructions that inform the cell what to do. The modifications instruct the cells to grow and divide faster than normal ones. When other cells die, the aberrant ones continue to live. 

The accumulated aberrant cells create a tumor, which can spread and infect surrounding tissue. Some aberrant cells may break away and spread (metastasize) to other places of the body over time.

Risk elements 

The following factors can raise your risk of prostate cancer: 

• Getting older: As you become older, your chances of developing prostate cancer rise. It is more frequent after the age of 50. 
• Race: African American people are more likely than other races to get prostate cancer for unknown causes. Prostate cancer is more likely to be aggressive or progressed in African American people. 
• A family tree: Your risk may be elevated if a blood related, such as a parent, brother, or child, has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Furthermore, if you have a family history of breast cancer genes (BRCA1 or BRCA2) or a very strong family history of breast cancer, your risk of prostate cancer may be increased.
• Obesity: People who suffer from obesity may have a greater risk of prostate cancer than people of a healthy weight, while studies have yielded conflicting results. Cancer is more likely to be aggressive and to recur after early therapy in obese patients.

Complications 

Prostate cancer complications and therapies include: 

• Spreading cancer (metastasizes): Prostate cancer can spread to neighboring organs, such as your bladder, or move to your bones or other organs via your bloodstream or lymphatic system. Pain and shattered bones can result from prostate cancer that has spread to the bones. Prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body may still react to therapy and be managed, but it is unlikely to be cured. 
• Incontinence . Urinary incontinence can be caused by both prostate cancer and its therapy. Treatment for incontinence is determined by the kind, severity, and possibility of improvement over time. Medication, catheters, and surgery are all possible treatment options. 
• Erectile dysfunction (ED): Prostate cancer and its therapies, such as surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy, can cause erectile dysfunction. To treat erectile dysfunction, medications, vacuum devices that aid in obtaining an erection, and surgery are available.

Prevention 

You can lower your chance of prostate cancer by doing the following: 

• Choose a diet rich in fruits and vegetables: Consume a wide range of fruits, vegetables, and entire grains. Fruits and vegetables provide a variety of vitamins and minerals that can benefit your health. It is yet to be proven if nutrition may help prevent prostate cancer. However, eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables might enhance your general health. 
• Healthy eating should be prioritized above supplements: There has been no evidence that supplements reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Instead, pick meals high in vitamins and minerals to help your body maintain optimum vitamin levels.
• Most days of the week, exercise: Exercise enhances your general health, aids in weight maintenance, and elevates your mood. Make an effort to exercise on most days of the week. If you're new to fitness, start slowly and gradually increase your daily exercise time. 
• Keep a healthy weight: If your present weight is healthy, aim to keep it that way by eating well and exercising most days of the week. If you need to lose weight, increase your workout and decrease your daily calorie intake. Consult your doctor for assistance in developing a healthy weight loss strategy.
• Discuss the elevated risk of prostate cancer with our physicians: If you are at a high risk of developing prostate cancer, you and your doctor may discuss medicines or other therapies to minimize your risk. According to certain studies, using 5-alpha reductase inhibitors such as finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart) may lower the overall chance of getting prostate cancer. These medications are used to treat prostate enlargement and hair loss. 

However, some data suggests that those who use these treatments may be at a higher risk of developing a more dangerous type of prostate cancer (high-grade prostate cancer). Speak with one of our Urology Doctors if you are concerned about your chances of acquiring prostate cancer.

By Recmed Medical - Urology Doctors