Prostate Cancer: Every Man Should Know

What Is Prostate Cancer anyway?

Prostate cancer is one of the types of cancer where cancerous cells primarily form in the prostate gland and then gets transferred to other cells through the process of metastasis. Prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body like bones, etc. It usually occurs among men in their 50s and above. The risk of developing Prostate cancer increases with age.

Causes of Prostate Cancer:

Scientists still have not been able to determine the exact cause of prostate cancer. It is not clear why some people suffer from Prostate cancer while others do not. Clinical researchers and scientists are working hard to find the answer and are optimistic to come out with a report very soon.

Symptoms of Prostate cancer:

It is very tricky as there are no definite symptoms experienced by patients to detect Prostate cancer. Prostate cancer does not show any sort of symptoms or sign at the beginning stage. However, few symptoms have been identified by the National Cancer Institute:

An interrupted or weak urine flow.

Blood in the urine or in the semen.

Frequent urination.

Inability to urinate.

Burning sensation or pain during urination.

Trouble while urination.

Sensation of pain while ejaculation.

Stiffness or frequent pain in the upper thighs, lower back or hips.

However these symptoms are not specific only for prostate cancer. If you experience any of these common symptoms, do not panic consult your doctors for some tests.

Treatment of Prostate cancer:

The treatment for Prostate cancer depends on factors such as the location of the tumor, the general health condition of the patient affected, patient’s age and the tumor size.

Some popularly used methods to treat Prostate cancer are:

Radiotherapy can also be used to cure Prostate cancer. In this method radiation is used to destroy the cancerous cells. It is absolutely painless but it causes some side effects like diarrhea impotence.

Surgical castration by Orchidectomy: This is the cheapest and simplest treatment for prostate cancer. Though a very effective treatment, the disadvantage is the psychological effect on the patient due to the loss of testicles.

Another popular method is the use of Hormone therapy to effectively treat prostate cancer.

Brachytherapy: This treatment uses radioactive elements to inhibit the growth of cancerous cells.  

Prostate cancer can be treated with the help of Oestrogen hormone and LHRH-analogues. This is called “medical castration.” It is very expensive. Oestrogen can be taken orally but it can give rise to thrombotic complications.

The chemical found in black pepper commonly called as capsaicin, that causes burning sensation on the tongue and eyes to water, is thought to be helpful in treating Prostate cancer. US researchers have found that capsaicin can cause human cancer cells to kill themselves and this finding is guiding them to explore new methods to treat and cure Prostate cancer.