Understanding Advanced Prostate Cancer: Symptoms, Prevention, and Treatments
Discover essential insights into advanced prostate cancer, including symptoms, preventive strategies, and treatment options. Learn how early detection and lifestyle choices can impact outcomes, and understand the potential complications and diagnostic methods for this prevalent disease in men over 65.
Prostate cancer ranks among the most prevalent cancers in men, primarily affecting those over 65. The most common form, adenocarcinoma, originates in the prostate gland tissue. Typically, prostate cancer progresses slowly and remains confined within the prostate initially. It can be classified as aggressive or slow-growing based on its progression speed. Early stages often show no symptoms, but as it advances, signs such as difficulty urinating, erectile issues, pelvic swelling, blood in urine or semen, pain during ejaculation, tiredness, and unexplained weight loss may appear.
When prostate cancer reaches an advanced stage, symptoms depend on the spread location and tumor size. Bones affected by metastasis can cause pain and fractures; liver involvement may lead to abdominal swelling or jaundice. Spread to lungs can result in chest pain or breathing difficulties, while brain metastases could cause headaches, seizures, and dizziness.
Potential complications of prostate cancer include:
Erectile Dysfunction: Often due to treatments like surgery, hormone therapy, or radiation, erectile dysfunction can sometimes be managed with medications, devices, or surgical options.
Urinary Incontinence: Both the disease and its treatments may cause urinary control issues, with management depending on severity and improvement prospects.
Diagnosing advanced prostate cancer:
Doctors use tests such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, bone scans, and PET scans to confirm whether the cancer has spread and to identify affected areas.
The decision to administer specific tests depends on symptoms and physical examinations. Biopsies may follow if tumors are detected for further analysis.
Preventing advanced prostate cancer:
Diet: Eating tomatoes, fish, soy, broccoli, olive oil, and kale can lower risk, whereas red or grilled meats, dairy, and saturated fats may increase it.
Physical activity: Regular exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, which is vital since obesity is linked to higher prostate cancer risk. Staying active is a key preventive measure.
