Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a gland below the bladder that surrounds part of the urethra. Prostate cancer begins when prostate cells grow abnormally. Some tumours remain within the gland and grow slowly; others are more aggressive and can enter nearby tissue or travel to lymph nodes and bones. Treatment decisions depend on the cancer's grade, stage, symptoms and the person's health.

Difficulty Passing Urine is a very common presentation of prostate cancer and may include a weak stream, hesitancy, frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder. Blood in Urine is a common presentation. Persistent Bone Pain is also a common presentation when cancer has spread to bone. Benign prostate enlargement and infection can cause similar urinary symptoms, so symptoms alone cannot identify the cause.

The exact cause is usually not known. Cancer develops after changes in cell growth and repair allow abnormal prostate cells to multiply. Some changes are inherited and others occur during a person's lifetime. A BRCA Gene Mutation can increase inherited prostate-cancer risk and may influence genetic testing or treatment choices.

Doctors describe prostate cancer by grade and stage. Grade reflects how abnormal the cells look and how they may behave; stage describes whether the cancer is confined to the prostate, nearby, or farther away. PSA results, examination, biopsy and scans help build this picture. The course may be monitored, treated locally, treated throughout the body, or managed with symptom-focused care.

Risk increases with age and may be influenced by family history, ancestry and inherited gene changes. Having a father or brother with prostate cancer can prompt an earlier discussion about testing. Risk factors guide conversations; they do not prove that cancer is present. Tell a clinician about relatives with prostate, breast, ovarian or pancreatic cancer.

Evaluation may include a PSA blood test, a digital rectal examination and a urine assessment when appropriate. MRI can show areas that need closer review. A targeted or systematic biopsy provides tissue for grading and confirms whether cancer cells are present. If cancer is confirmed, additional imaging may assess lymph nodes or bones and help select treatment.

Some localised cancers are monitored closely with active surveillance. Surgery, including Prostate Removal Surgery, can remove the prostate; Robotic Cancer Surgery is one way the operation may be performed. Radiotherapy or Brachytherapy can target the prostate. Hormone treatment lowers signals that help some prostate cancers grow. Chemotherapy, Targeted Radioisotope Therapy or Bone-Strengthening Therapy may be used in selected advanced situations. The team balances cancer control with effects on urination, erections and bowel function.

Treatment can affect urinary control, sexual function, bowel habits, energy and mood. Pelvic-floor exercises, continence support, sexual-health counselling and rehabilitation can help. Keep a record of PSA results and medicines, and report new urinary retention, severe pain or treatment effects that interfere with daily life.

Prostate cancer or its treatment may cause urinary blockage, bleeding, erectile difficulties, bowel changes, bone weakness or fractures. Bone Metastases can cause pain and may affect the spine. New leg weakness, numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or inability to pass urine requires urgent assessment.

There is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer. Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, not smoking and maintaining a healthy weight support general health. Screening and PSA testing are individual decisions; discuss benefits, limitations and family history with a clinician rather than starting tests without context.

A urologist, radiation oncologist and medical oncologist may work together, with specialist nurses and rehabilitation professionals. Bring PSA results, biopsy reports, scan findings and family history. Ask about the cancer's grade and stage, the aim of each option, expected effects on urinary and sexual function, and the follow-up schedule.