Source: INCA
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, behind non-melanoma skin cancer. It is considered a cancer of the third age, since about 75% of the cases in the world occur from the age of 65.
The prostate is a gland that is part of the male reproductive system, located below the bladder. Its main function is the production of sperm. Prostate cancer happens due to the disorder in the multiplication of your cells.
Prevention
The digital rectal examination allows the doctor to assess changes in the gland, such as hardening, being the most accurate method for identifying suspicious nodules. The blood test to measure the dosage of PSA (prostate specific antigen) is also done to complement the diagnosis.
People without symptoms, but belonging to groups with a higher genetic chance (with a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer), may choose to screen for the disease. However, they should talk to the health professional about the risks and benefits that involve screening tests.
Symptoms
In its early stage, prostate cancer has a silent evolution. Many patients have no symptoms or, when they do, they are similar to those of benign prostate growth (difficulty urinating, need to urinate more often during the day or night). In the advanced stage, it can cause bone pain, blood in the urine or, when more severe, generalized infection or kidney failure.
Treatment
For localized disease (which only reached the prostate and did not spread to other organs), surgery, radiation therapy and even watchful observation (in some special situations) can be offered. For locally advanced disease, radiation therapy or surgery in combination with hormonal treatment has been used. For metastatic disease (when the tumor has already spread to other parts of the body), the most suitable treatment is hormone therapy.