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Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly cancers but has an excellent survival rate when diagnosed early. The cancer is ranked 2nd most common among men and 4th most common worldwide. In 2022, 37,948 Indian men were diagnosed with prostate cancer. Since the 5-year and 10-year survival rates for individuals following early prostate cancer treatment are reported to be high, it becomes important to diagnose the cancer early. Although prostate cancer does not cause any symptoms at early stages, undergoing yearly physical screening is vital for early cancer diagnosis.
Synopsis
Understanding Prostate Cancer
The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its main function is to produce fluid that mixes with sperm to create semen. Prostate cancer develops when the cells in the organ turn cancerous. They are a slow-developing cancer and are very treatable when diagnosed early.
Symptoms of Pancreatic Cancer
In the later stages, the pancreatic cancer exhibits the following symptoms:
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Difficulty when beginning to urinate
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Decreased force in the urine stream
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Frequent urge to urinate constantly or urgently
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Dribbling after urination
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Difficulty getting an erection
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Bone pain and fractures
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Fatigue
Consult our Urology Doctor in Bhubaneswar If you have symptoms of Pancreatic cancer care and treatment.
Causes of Prostate Cancer
The exact cause of developing prostate cancer remains elusive. However, men aged 65 or older, those exposed to the chemical Agent Orange, ionising, or UV radiation from the sun, or those from the US, African Americans, and Caribbeans are at higher risk for developing prostate cancer. In some studies, prostate cancer risk is said to be increased in men with a history of urinary tract infections. Additionally, men with a first-degree family history are at a significant risk of developing prostate cancer themselves. Other factors like smoking, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle contribute to increased prostate cancer risk.
Men at risk of developing prostate cancer can benefit from early and more frequent screening, beginning at 40 to 45 years.
How to Diagnose Prostate Cancer Early?
All men between the ages of 55 and 79 years are recommended to undergo screening for prostate cancer. Some men may be advised to have the screening tests earlier owing to their risk factors. The screening test typically consists of a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a blood test to check for prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
- DRE is performed as a part of a yearly physical exam during which the examiner gently inserts their finger into the rectum to feel the back side of the prostate. If any irregularity is detected, further tests may be recommended to diagnose prostate cancer.
DRE is less reliable, but it helps diagnose prostate cancer in men with normal PSA levels.
- PSA levels are higher in men with prostate cancer. A sudden increase in their level could be an early indicator of prostate cancer. But increased PSA levels can also be a sign of other illnesses including enlarged prostate and prostatitis.
Individuals who wish to have a PSA test must refrain from ejaculating or engaging in strenuous exercise 48 hours before the test.
When initial screening tests are abnormal, advanced imaging techniques like MRI and PET scans are performed to confirm the presence of cancer and to determine its stage.
What Are the Risks and Benefits of Early Prostate Cancer Screening?
Yearly prostate cancer screening not only helps diagnose the cancer early but also helps monitor the health of the prostate over time. Individuals diagnosed early have a wide range of treatment options and improved survival rates. Also, there is a reduced risk of adverse complications arising from prostate cancer, and the affected men are more likely to have an improved quality of life.
Even though screening tests are potentially life-saving, they carry some risks. For instance, PSA screening remains controversial as it cannot distinguish prostate cancer from benign ones. Therefore, this results in unnecessary tests and prostate cancer treatment, which can exacerbate the individual's pain, anxiety, and erectile dysfunction.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
If prostate cancer is detected, the doctor may recommend surgery, Radiation Therapy, Hormone Therapy, or Chemotherapy, depending on the type, stage, and location of the cancer. The best treatment for prostate cancer in the early stages is a surgical procedure that involves the removal of cancerous tissue from the prostate gland. Also, Radiation Therapy may be employed instead of surgery or in combination with it. Stage 4 prostate cancer treatment includes Hormone Therapy or Chemotherapy, which helps control the cancer cells that have spread to other organs.
Consult our Urology hospital in Bhubaneswar If you need treatment and care.
Prevention of Prostate Cancer
Certain lifestyle changes, like quitting smoking, exercising, and controlling their weight, can help lower the incidence of prostate cancer in people who are at risk for the disease. In recent years, the availability of pharmacological agents like 5α-reductase inhibitors has shown the potential to prevent the development of prostate cancer.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer is a serious disease that can be managed with early detection and treatment. Early interventions can result in successful outcomes and also lower prostate cancer treatment costs. Discuss with us about prostate cancer screening, especially if you are at high risk–visit Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, today!
FAQ's
Most men receive Hormone Therapy called androgen deprivation therapy to slow or stop cancer growth in advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer. However, in some men, the prostate cancer cells eventually gain the ability to grow in a low-testosterone environment created by Hormone Therapy, causing the cancer to return.
Choosing the best treatment option involves a collaborative effort from the patient and the healthcare team, which includes the urologist, oncologist, and other specialists. The affecting factors include:
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Stage and grade of cancer
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Patient’s lifestyle and their preference
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Risks and benefits of each treatment option
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Chances of cancer responding to treatment
Once prostate cancer is confirmed, PSA testing may be ordered frequently for risk assessment, active surveillance, and post-treatment monitoring.
Men with prostate cancer have a nearly 99% 5-year survival rate and a nearly 98% 10-year survival rate.
You can schedule an appointment at Manipal Hospitals, Bhubaneswar, by contacting us or visiting our website.
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