A man’s prostate gland is a tiny, walnut-sized gland in his body that generates seminal fluid. When cancer cells begin to develop excessively in this area, it causes the gland to expand – a condition known as prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is often reported in Western countries, and it is frequently the result of an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle. Unfortunately, its prevalence in India is comparable to that of other countries; according to the NCBI, prostate cancer is the second most prevalent form of cancer in males residing in major cities such as New Delhi, Kolkata, Thiruvananthapuram, and Pune, and the third most common in Mumbai and Bengaluru.
Prostate cancer symptoms?
Prostate cancer is the second most frequent type of cancer in the world and the sixth biggest cause of death each year. Although curable, there are worries about prostate cancer diagnosis and therapy because this illness does not often present with obvious symptoms unless the cancer is severe or has grown large enough to put pressure on the tube that connects the bladder and penis. According to the National Health Service (NHS) of England, prostate gland enlargement “does not usually signify you have prostate cancer.” Many men’s prostates grow as they age due to a non-cancerous disease known as benign prostate enlargement.”
- Pain and burning sensation during urination
- Painful ejaculation
- Traces of blood in urine
- Weak and interrupted flow of urine
- Blood in semen
- Difficulty in completely emptying the bladder
- Back, hip and pelvic pain that does not go away
- Frequent urination, mostly in the night
Why don’t signs of prostate cancer appear in the early stages?
According to Prostate Cancer UK, most individuals with this illness do not exhibit early symptoms; one explanation for this might be the manner this cancer progresses. Early symptoms normally develop only when the cancer grows close to the urethra – the tube through which one urinates – and presses on it, affecting the way you pee. However, because this illness typically begins in the prostate’s outer layers, it does not press on the urethra in the early stages, delaying the emergence of symptoms.
According to the health organisation, if a person detects changes in the way he urinates, it might be an indication of enlarged prostate — a non-cancerous ailment prevalent in senior men. To be on the safe side, however, getting identified is critical in order to reduce the chances of the condition becoming deadly.
What happens when prostate cancer spreads?
If cancer spreads from the prostate to other regions of the body, it is known as advanced prostate cancer, and it can produce a number of additional symptoms, including:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain in the hips, back and pelvis
- Blood in the semen and urine
- Difficulty in getting and maintaining erections
Causes of prostate cancer?
According to a Mayo Clinic research, the fundamental cause of prostate cancer is unknown; however, scientists believe that the disease develops when cells in the prostate begin to modify their DNA. DNA instructs the cells on what to do, and the cells begin to expand uncontrollably, unlike other healthy cells. As a consequence, aberrant cells survive while normal cells die, forming a tumour that hinders normal activities of adjacent tissues.
Some circumstances, however, can raise the risk of prostate cancer. These are some examples:
Ancestral history
- Age – Men over the age of 50 are more likely to get prostate cancer.
- Race — According to the Mayo Clinic, black men are more likely to get prostate cancer.
- Obesity
