In the United States, prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer after skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society’s estimates for 2024, almost 300,000 new cases of prostate cancer are expected to be diagnosed, with approximately 35,250 deaths attributed to the disease. It occurs when cells in the prostate gland mutate and begin to grow uncontrollably. Over time, these abnormal cells can form tumors and spread to other parts of the body, which is a process known as metastasis.
The prostate gland, approximately the size of a walnut, is a small organ found in the male reproductive system. It is positioned underneath the bladder and in front of the rectum, surrounding the urethra, a slender tube responsible for expelling urine from the body. The prostate plays a crucial role in reproductive function, as it produces enzymes such as PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen). PSA helps transform seamen into a more liquid form, facilitating the movement of sperm cells towards the egg during fertilization.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
There are several risk factors associated with an individual’s likelihood of developing prostate cancer. The most significant one being age, with the risk of prostate cancer increasing considerably after the age of 50. Other significant risk factors are assigned to genetics. Men with a family history of prostate cancer, especially in close relatives such as fathers or brothers have an elevated risk. Genetic mutations in certain genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2, can also predispose individuals to prostate cancer. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise habits, and tobacco use can elevate prostate cancer risk.
Importance of Early Detection and Screening
Prostate cancer often presents with few or no symptoms in its early stages, making it challenging to detect without screening. Although, as the disease progresses, symptoms, such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, blood in the urine, and discomfort in the pelvic area may become apparent, it is important to monitor prostate health through regular check-ups and screenings. Another nuance of prostate cancer is that it can grow both, very slowly and very quickly. Even the latest available screening tests are unable to predict the rate of growth of cancer. They can only detect the presence of cancer. This further underscores the necessity for scheduling regular check-ups. Early detection equips the patient with the ability to intervene in time, potentially preventing the spread of the disease to other parts of the body and increasing the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes.
Screening Strategies for prostate cancer:
Prostate Gland Biopsy:
It is a procedure in which several hollow-core needles are inserted into the prostate gland through the rectum to obtain tissue samples, which is also known as fine needle aspirations. The samples are then tested in a laboratory for cancer cells. This is done by examining the sample under a microscope to look for patterns indicative of cancerous cells within the prostate tissue. These patterns are crucial in determining the aggressiveness of the cancer and are assigned a Gleason score, which helps to assess the severity of the disease. The Gleason score is derived from the observed patterns of cancer cells, with higher scores indicating a more aggressive form of prostate cancer.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test:
This a blood test, which measures the PSA concentration. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland (see above). Higher than average levels of PSA indicates higher risks of having prostate cancer. PSA levels of 4 to 10 nanograms per milliliters are considered suspicious and a repeat test can be advised.
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