Prostate Cancer: Questions To Ask Your Healthcare Team

March 15, 2024 Blogs 0

Are you familiar with the term Prostate Cancer? Well, it’s a type of cancer that affects the prostate gland, which is a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid. It is one of the common types of cancer in men. Moreover, it develops slowly and may not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stage but as it progresses you will start finding the different changes in your body such as difficulty in urinating, blood in the urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, and pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis. Those who are feeling the same symptoms must consult the doctor immediately. So, what’s the related queries you may ask your doctor? Let’s have a look.

What are the common symptoms of prostate cancer?

When it’s come to prostate cancer it’s difficult to diagnose at its early age, however, as it progresses you will notice some common symptoms including frequent urination or difficulty in urinating, weak urine flow, blood in urine or semen, pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, erectile dysfunction, and bone pain particularly in the back, hips or thighs.

What are the treatment options available for prostate cancer?

There are several options available to treat prostate cancer, however, the choice of treatment depends on various factors such as the stage and growth of the cancer, your overall health, your past health history, and your preferences. Some common treatment options include:

Active surveillance: Monitoring the cancer closely without stepping towards immediate treatment.

Surgery: Removing the prostate surgically, known as prostatectomy.

Radiation Therapy: Using high-energy beams to kill cancer cells and slow their growth.

Hormone Therapy: Lowering the levels of male hormones to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells

Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells or stop their growth.

Targeted Therapy: Using drugs that specifically target cancer cells based on their genetic characteristics.

Are there any preventive measures for prostate cancer?

While there are no guaranteed ways to prevent this cancer, but you can follow some steps to reduce the risk like maintain a healthy diet eat plenty of fruits, green vegetables or whole grains, do regular exercise such as walking or cycling, maintain a healthy weight, limit red meat and processed food etc.

Can prostate cancer be cured?

Yes, prostate cancer can be curable, especially when identified and treated at an early stage. In some cases, cancer grows so slowly that you may not need treatment right away. Treatment can often eliminate prostate cancers that haven’t spread beyond the prostate gland.

Choose Treatians for Better Experience

Treatians as your medical tourism partner guide you and support you until the end. They help you in connecting with renowned doctors and top-notch hospitals for your quality healthcare. Moreover, they offer treatment packages within a limited budget. So, if you want to consult with doctor or want to know more about prostate cancer condition must consider Treatians for better experience and high-quality healthcare.

Oncology

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate, a small gland located below the bladder in men. It is one of the most common types of cancer in men. Prostate cancer usually grows slowly and may not cause symptoms in its early stages. However, it can be a serious condition if left untreated and can spread to other parts of the body.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Frequent urination, especially at night
Difficulty starting or stopping urination
Weak urine flow or interrupted urine flow
Blood in the urine or semen
Erectile dysfunction
Pain or discomfort in the pelvic area
Bone pain, especially in the spine, hips, or ribs (indicating advanced prostate cancer)

Prostate Cancer Causes

The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but certain factors can increase the risk, including:

Age: The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, particularly after the age of 50.
Family history: Having a close relative, such as a father or brother, with prostate cancer increases the risk.
Race: African-American men have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
Diet: A diet high in red meat and low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk.
Obesity: Being overweight or obese may contribute to a higher risk of developing aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis:

Prostate cancer is typically diagnosed through a combination of medical history review, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, including:

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: A blood test that measures the level of PSA, a protein produced by the prostate. Elevated PSA levels may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
Digital rectal exam (DRE): A physical examination in which a healthcare provider checks the prostate gland by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum.
Prostate biopsy: A tissue sample is taken from the prostate gland to examine it under a microscope and determine if cancer cells are present.
Imaging tests: Tests such as MRI, CT scan, or bone scan may be conducted to evaluate the extent of cancer and whether it has spread to other areas.

Who Needs Prostate Cancer Treatment

Prostate cancer treatment is recommended for individuals who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer. The treatment approach may vary depending on the stage of cancer, overall health, and personal preferences.

When to See a Specialist

It is important to see a specialist if you experience any symptoms associated with prostate cancer, such as urinary problems or unexplained pain. Additionally, men over the age of 50 or those with a family history of prostate cancer should consider regular prostate screenings and consult with a specialist for appropriate recommendations.

Treatment for Prostate Cancer:

Treatment options for prostate cancer may include:

Active surveillance: Monitoring cancer without immediate treatment if it is slow-growing and not causing symptoms.
Surgery: Surgical removal of the prostate gland (prostatectomy) may be performed to remove cancerous tissue.
Radiation therapy: High-energy radiation is used to kill cancer cells or shrink tumors.
Hormone therapy: Medications or surgical interventions that reduce the levels of male hormones (androgens) to slow down cancer growth.
Chemotherapy: The use of anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body, particularly in advanced cases.
Immunotherapy: Drugs that stimulate the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Road To Recovery

The road to recovery from prostate cancer treatment varies for each individual. It may involve follow-up visits, monitoring PSA levels, managing side effects, and adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, and emotional support.

Risk Management

While it may not be possible to prevent prostate cancer entirely, certain lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk and manage the condition. These include maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, consuming a nutritious diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption.

Benefits of Prostate Cancer Treatments

The benefits of prostate cancer treatments include:
Increased chances of curing or controlling the cancer
Improved quality of life by reducing symptoms and discomfort
Potential for preserving urinary and sexual function
Extended survival in cases where the cancer has spread

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prostate cancer only an older man’s disease?
While the risk increases with age, prostate cancer can affect men of all ages. However, it is more commonly diagnosed in older men.
Can prostate cancer be prevented?
While prevention is not guaranteed, adopting a healthy lifestyle, such as maintaining a nutritious diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco, may help reduce the risk.
Are there any alternative or complementary treatments for prostate cancer?
Some individuals may explore alternative or complementary therapies alongside conventional treatments. It is essential to discuss these options with healthcare professionals to ensure they are safe and do not interfere with recommended treatments.
Will treatment for prostate cancer affect sexual function?
Certain treatments may have an impact on sexual function, such as surgery or hormone therapy. However, there are various strategies and treatments available to manage and address potential side effects. Open communication with healthcare providers can help find solutions.

Treatians As The Best Choice

Treatians understand that seeking medical treatment abroad can be a daunting experience for patients and their families. That’s why the company offers end-to-end support to its clients, from the initial consultation to post-treatment care. The company provides personalized treatment plans that are tailored to meet the individual needs of each patient, and its team of dedicated professionals is always on hand to provide guidance and support throughout the entire process. Contact us at +91-9560960088, drop your email [email protected]