Prostate Cancer - Symptoms, Causes, Risk Factors & Treatment

The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in the male reproductive system, located beneath the bladder and surrounding the top of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. The prostate is where most of the semen that carries the sperm is produced. 

Though one of the most common forms of cancer in males, it is very slow in its growth, and if restricted to the prostate, may not be dangerous. But, if it spreads to other parts of the body it can be very life threatening.

Symptoms:

• Dull pain/ache in the lower pelvic area.
• Frequent need to urinate.
• Very weak flow of urine, pain while urinating or a burning sensation.
• Blood in the urine.
• Loss of appetite and hence body weight.
• Pain in the bones.

Causes, Risk Factors:

It is not sure what causes prostate cancer. There are no specific, identifiable causes. But, there are know risk factors frequently associated with the disease, and they are:

• Age - older the person, higher the risk. Fifty five (55) is the most commonly seen age.
• Family History - if other male members of the family have had prostate cancer, then the risk is high. Families with a history of breast cancer have a higher prostate cancer risk too.
• Obesity and Smoking - overweight males are at high risk as are those who have a smoking habit.
• Ethnicity / Geographical location - prostate cancer is more prevalent in the northern Americas and Europe as well as among the Afro-American community.

Treatment:

This depends on several factors like the general health of the patient, area of the cancer and speed of its growth as well as the side effects/benefits of each specific treatment.

For those with low risk prostate cancer, treatment may not be necessary at all, only active surveillance of the condition.

Surgery - this involves surgically removing the prostate gland, a few lymph nodes and tissue.

Radiation Therapy - using high energy beams to kill the cells. This however, has side effects.

Hormone Therapy - this stops production of Testosterone, the hormone used by the prostate to grow, thus causing the cancer cells to either die or slow down.

Chemotherapy - here chemicals are used to kill the cancer cells, administered orally or intravenously. Often used when cancer has spread to other remote parts of the body.

Biological / Immunotherapy - here the body’s own immune system is used to fight the cancer. The patient’s white blood cells are extracted; incubated and activated with a fusion protein and then injected back into the patient. It is very expensive and could require multiple treatments.

                               

Early detection of prostate cancer, specifically when it is confined to the prostate, gives the best chance of a successful treatment procedure

                                                 

Blog Reviewed By :Dr.M.Banupriya
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Living with thyroid cancer

The thyroid is a gland that sits low at the front of the neck and is responsible for producing several hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), being the important ones. These influence growth and development, metabolism and temperature of the body. 

When the cells in the thyroid grow out of control and push the normal cells out, it is said to be cancerous. While the number of cases is rising, it is a relatively rare cancer and highly treatable.

If one is diagnosed with this cancer, it is important to know how to deal with it on a practical, social, emotional and physical level.

Practical:

Don’t let the disease intimidate you. It is highly treatable. Let your family know, seek their help in gathering as much information on what it is, how it is treated, what should be done after treatment, etc. Put your financials into order. Start keeping records, it will help.

Emotional:

Understand very clearly that your life has changed and is moving in unexpected directions. It is normal to feel depressed, scared and angry after the diagnosis. Take it one day at a time. If necessary seek professional help. You are physically and mentally a different person.

Physical: 

There is a physical part of this cancer’s treatment and it is best to take it seriously. This means working with your healthcare providers by showing up for testing and treatment. Taking medication exactly and without fail. Keeping physically fit to the best possible extent. Changing to, or going on a specialised diet. Because it is in the neck, you may have to deal with a very visible scar after surgery in either cosmetic or medical ways.

Social:

Do not, at any time before or after the treatment, stay away from your social circle. Connect with them. It reduces anxiety, stress and depression. These days, with digital media connections,  you don’t even have to leave your hospital bed to do so.

Join thyroid cancer survivor groups. Talk with them. Learn how others are coping with the disease, treatment and survival. 

Remember, you are not alone. There are others. They survived and so will you.

Blog Reviewed By :Dr.M.Banupriya
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Fight colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is known in other terms as bowel cancer, colon cancer, or rectal cancer that affects the colon area. Usually, it will spread to other regions of the body. 

Symptoms 

• Change in bowel habits
• Diarrhea or constipation 
• Blood in stool 
• Blood from rectum 
• The feeling of fullness in the abdomen 
• Fatigue 
• Sudden weight loss 
• Lump in the abdomen 
• Unexplained iron deficiency 

Treatment

Treatment for colorectal cancer would depend on certain factors such as size, location, stage of cancer, and the current overall health of the patient. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery are various ways of treating colorectal cancer. 

Radiation therapy will use high energy radiation beams to destroy the cancerous cells and will help prevent them from multiplying. Radiation therapy is used before surgery to help shrink the tumor. Both radiation and chemotherapy can also be given post-surgery to help lower the chances of recurrence. 

Surgery is considered to be the most common treatment for colorectal cancer. The affected malignant tumors and nearby affected lymph nodes will be removed to reduce the risk of cancer spreading to other areas. Usually, the bowel is sewn back together, but at times the rectum will be removed entirely, and a colostomy bag will be attached for drainage. This bag will collect stools. 

Chemotherapy involves using medications to destroy cancerous cells. It is commonly used for colon cancer. This could be performed before the surgery to help shrink the tumor. Thus reducing the chances of cancer getting spread to other areas. 

It is recommended to maintain a proper lifestyle by following a healthy diet chart and regular physical activities. These could help lower the risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer to a great extent.

Blog Reviewed By :Dr.M.Banupriya
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