Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that affects only males and transpires in the prostate gland. This gland produces the seminal fluid that nutrifies and transports the sperm. It is a part of the male reproductive system and located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, following non-melanoma skin cancer. However, it is the sixth leading cause of death. Countries with a strong black male population, such as Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Ghana, Sudan, and South Sudan, are more likely to suffer from prostate cancer. Statistics reveal that one in every four black males is likely to get prostate cancer, as compared to one in eight for any other male race.
Who is at Risk for Prostate Cancer?
All men are at risk for prostate cancer, but age plays a decisive role in the development of this cancer. Men above 45 years of age are more prone to prostate cancer.
What are the Common Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
Unfortunately, prostate cancer may not show any signs or symptoms in the initial stages. But once it reaches the advanced stage, patients are likely to show all or some of the symptoms such as difficulty in urinating, reduced force in the stream of urine, presence of blood in the urine, presence of blood in the semen, bone pain, unexplained weight loss, and erectile dysfunction.
How is Prostate Cancer Treated?
There are different types of treatment available for prostate cancer, depending on the level of severity and spread. Common treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy (such as cyber knife, targeted therapy), and surgery. The doctor will recommend the most suitable treatment based on the stage and severity of the cancer.
Is There a Permanent Cure for Prostate Cancer?
The answer to this question is not so easy as it seems. The available treatments and their outcomes may vary, depending on various factors such as severity, stage of the cancer, age, and the well-being of the patient. However, with advancements in medical science, the survival rate has improved drastically over the years. For instance, the 5-year survival rate for patients with local prostate cancer is close to 100%.
Early detection is the key to curing prostate cancer, as surgery/chemotherapy are most effective when the cancer is still localized, meaning it hasn’t spread to any other parts of the body. There are also therapies that are decently effective even in relatively advanced prostate cancers. Many doctors are now also administering hormone therapies after the surgery is concluded.
In conclusion, prostate cancer is curable if detected in the early stages. Even in the later stages, with advanced treatment protocols, the long-term survival chances have been very encouraging. Always remember, early detection followed by the right treatment can cure any disease.
