Prostate Cancer
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What is the Prostate?
The prostate is a small gland that looks like a walnut. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It makes seminal fluid, which feeds and moves sperm.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that can happen as men get older. It means that the prostate may grow larger. BPH is not cancer, but its symptoms can look like those of prostate cancer.
It’s important to know how the body works because changes in the prostate, including prostate cancer causes, can affect urination, sexual health, and overall health.
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the prostate gland — a small, walnut-shaped gland in men, located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate produces a fluid that nourishes and protects sperm during ejaculation.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, particularly in men over age 50, and many patients often ask, “is prostate cancer curable? Most prostate cancers grow slowly and remain confined to the prostate, but some can grow aggressively and spread to other organs.
Types of Prostate Cancer
Adenocarcinoma (most common)
- Originates in the glandular cells of the prostate
- Includes acinar and ductal adenocarcinomas
Small Cell Carcinoma
- Rare and aggressive
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Very rare; not responsive to standard hormone therapy
Transitional Cell Carcinoma
- Begins in bladder and spreads to prostate
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
In early stages, prostate cancer symptoms are often not noticeable. As the disease progresses, the following signs may appear:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- Blood in urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Painful ejaculation
- Discomfort in the pelvic area, lower back, or hips
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue (in advanced cases)
- Bone pain (if cancer has spread)
Important: Many urinary symptoms are caused by benign prostate enlargement (BPH), not cancer — but testing is crucial.
Risk Factors and Reasons for Prostate Cancer
- Age > 50 – Risk increases with age
- Family History – Especially if a father or brother had prostate cancer
- Race – More common and more aggressive in African and South Asian men
- High-fat diet and obesity
- Smoking and sedentary lifestyle
- Exposure to chemicals (e.g., firefighters, workers exposed to cadmium)
- Genetic mutations (BRCA1/BRCA2, Lynch syndrome)
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
1. Screening Tests
- PSA Test (Prostate-Specific Antigen) – A blood test to measure PSA levels
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) – Doctor feels the prostate via the rectum for abnormalities
2. Imaging & Diagnostic Tests
- Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) – To visualize the prostate
- Multiparametric MRI – High-detail imaging to guide biopsy decisions
- Prostate Biopsy – Samples taken via needle for microscopic analysis
3. Staging Workup
- Bone Scan – To detect spread to bones
- CT/MRI Scan – To check for pelvic or lymph node involvement
- PSMA PET-CT – Highly accurate scan for advanced or recurrent cancer
Advanced imaging like PET/CT scans plays a crucial role in accurately staging prostate cancer and detecting any spread of the disease.
Prostate Cancer Staging
- Stage I – Cancer is small and confined to prostate
- Stage II – More cells involved, but still within the prostate
- Stage III – Cancer has spread beyond the prostate capsule
- Stage IV – Cancer has spread to lymph nodes, bones, or other organs
Also categorized by Gleason Score (grading of cell abnormality) and PSA levels Also categorized by Gleason Score (grading of cell abnormality) and PSA levels.
Treatment Options at Onco-Life Cancer Centre
Prostate cancer treatment is personalized based on age, stage, overall health, and patient preferences.
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Active Surveillance
- For low-risk cancers that are not causing symptoms
- Regular monitoring with PSA, MRI, and biopsies
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Surgery
- Radical Prostatectomy – Removal of prostate and nearby tissues
- Done via open, laparoscopic, or robotic-assisted techniques
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Radiation Therapy
- External Beam Radiation Therapy (EBRT) – Focused beams kill cancer cells
- Brachytherapy – Radioactive seeds implanted in the prostate
- Onco-Life offers Tomotherapy for precision treatment
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Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy)
- Lowers testosterone levels, which fuels cancer growth
- Given via injections, tablets, or surgery (orchiectomy)
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Targeted Therapy & Chemotherapy
- Used in advanced or castration-resistant prostate cancer
- Drugs like Docetaxel, Abiraterone, Enzalutamide
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Immunotherapy
- Still under evaluation for prostate cancer
- Some advanced cases may benefit from checkpoint inhibitors
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Palliative Care
- For metastatic cases to relieve bone pain, urinary obstruction, etc.
Patients diagnosed with prostate cancer can access comprehensive and advanced treatment at Onco-Life Cancer Centre locations across Maharashtra.
Prevention Tips for Prostate Cancer
- Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and fiber
- Limit intake of red and processed meats
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Exercise regularly
- Avoid tobacco and alcohol
- Get screened after age 50 (or age 45 if high risk)
Prostate Cancer in India: Key Insights
- Cases are rising, especially in urban men over 60
- Often detected late due to stigma or ignorance of symptoms
- PSA screening is underused, especially in primary care
Most Popular Questions
Prostate Cancer
1. Is prostate cancer curable?
Yes, especially if detected early and treated appropriately.
2. What is PSA and why is it important?
PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a protein. Elevated levels can indicate prostate cancer or other prostate issues.
3. Is an enlarged prostate the same as cancer?
No. BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) is common and non-cancerous, but may mimic cancer symptoms.
4. At what age should men start prostate cancer screening?
Usually at age 50. Earlier (45) for high-risk individuals.
5. Is prostate biopsy painful?
It may cause mild discomfort, but is usually done under local anesthesia.
6. What are Gleason scores?
A scale (6–10) showing how aggressive the cancer cells are under the microscope.
7. Can I live without a prostate?
Yes, but removal may affect urinary control and sexual function.
8. Is surgery better than radiation?
Both are effective. Choice depends on age, stage, and personal preferences.
9. Will prostate cancer affect my sex life?
Yes, it may cause erectile dysfunction, especially after surgery or radiation. Treatments are available.
10. Is hormone therapy a cure?
No, but it controls cancer progression, especially in advanced cases.
11. Can prostate cancer spread to bones?
Yes. The bones are a common site for metastasis in advanced cases.
12. How long does treatment last?
Depends on type. Surgery recovery is quick; radiation may last several weeks; hormone therapy can be long-term.
13. What is robotic prostate surgery?
A minimally invasive surgery with better precision and fewer side effects.
14. Can prostate cancer come back?
Yes. Regular follow-up with PSA testing helps detect recurrence early.
15. Can I father children after treatment?
Possibly, depending on the treatment. Sperm banking is an option before therapy.
16. Is there a diet that helps prostate health?
Yes: tomatoes (lycopene), cruciferous vegetables, fish, and soy have shown benefits.
17. What are the side effects of radiation?
Fatigue, urinary changes, bowel discomfort, and sexual dysfunction (temporary or permanent).
18. How is advanced prostate cancer treated?
With hormone therapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and palliative care.
19. Is prostate cancer fast-growing?
Most are slow-growing, but some types are aggressive and need immediate treatment.
20. Can Ayurveda or natural remedies cure prostate cancer?
There is no scientific evidence. They may be used as supportive care but should not replace medical treatment.
