How do you know if you have Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder in men and is involved in the reproductive system. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. Generally, prostate cancer grows slowly and is limited to the prostate gland. However, some types of cancer grow slowly and may require small treatment; few other types are aggressive and spread quickly. Early detection of prostate cancer (while it is limited to the prostate gland) has a better chance of successful treatment.

In most of the cases, the symptoms of prostate cancer in the early stage are not visible. Symptoms of prostate cancer can differ from person to person. As a result, routine checkup is necessary and important.

Early warning signs of prostate cancer

Due to the closeness of the prostate gland to the bladder and urethra, early-stage symptoms can be noticeable with some urinary problems. The size and location of cancer may press the urethra and affect urine flow. Some of the most common prostate cancer symptoms include:

• Burning, irritation or pain while urination
• Hassle urinating, or start and stop urination
• Frequent urination calls at night
• Less or no control over the bladder
• Decreased force in the urine stream
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Blood in urine
• Blood in semen
• Erectile dysfunction
• Painful ejaculation

Advanced prostate cancer symptoms

Cancer may spread to other organs and bones and form more tumours. If it reaches to spine, then it may press spinal nerves which leads to neurological problems and paralysis. Signs of metastatic prostate cancer may include:

• Swelling in legs or pelvic area
• Numbness or pain in legs, hips or feet
• Continuous bone pain leads to fracture

When to see a doctor

After you know the symptoms are signs of something serious, it’s time to meet the specialist of prostate cancer to get it diagnosed and start the earliest treatment to make it curable.

Cause of Prostate Cancer

Like all other types of cancers, it’s not easy to determine the exact reasons. Multiple factors may be involved including genetics and exposure to toxins, radiation or chemicals.

Mutation in the DNA(abnormal cells) or genetic material causes; abnormal growth and spreads more quickly than normal cells do until they form a tumour. Some aggressive type of cancerous cells leaves the tumour part and spread to other parts of the body.

Risk factors of prostate cancer

The risk factors which may influence the chances of developing prostate cancer-

• Age – This cancer rarely affects young men and mainly occurs in old age ranges 50+
• Race – black men have higher chances of developing prostate cancer than men of other races and have aggressive types of cancer.
• Family history – If your family has a history of prostate cancer, then you are more prone to inherit that damaged DNA. A study shows about 5-10% of prostate cancer cases are caused due to heredity.
• Diet – Even after limited research, studies show that a diet rich in meat and high-fat dairy products may cause prostate cancer.
• Geographical location – Environmental and cultural factors may play a vital role, north India has a lower incidence of prostate cancer than south India. But vitamin D deficiency may also put your health at risk.

Some risk factors for aggressive prostate cancer

You may have higher chances of developing prostate if you:

• Smoke
• Are obese
• Poor lifestyle
• Higher calcium consumption

Recurrent prostate cancer symptoms

When a cancer returns to the same place is considered recurrent. When it returns to the prostate again, this is known as local recurrence. If the cancer cells spread outside the prostate, it is most likely to damage nearby lymph nodes first then to the liver, bones and lungs.

An increase in the level of PSA is considered the first sign of prostate cancer recurrent. Other symptoms depend on the area where these cancers spread and recurrent, Common symptoms may include:

• Blood in urine
• Difficult urination
• Lower back pain
• Fatigue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Jaundice

After treatment or post-operation care is also very important as it may help stop recurrent and regular PSA tests are required.