Prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland in a man’s body that produces seminal fluid. When cancer cells start to multiply uncontrollably in this part, it results in enlargement of the gland – a condition known as prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is widely reported in the Western countries and is often a consequence of an unhealthy, sedentary lifestyle.
Unfortunately, its incidence in India is no lower than abroad – according to the NCBI, prostate is the second leading form of cancer in men living in large cities like New Delhi, Kolkata, Thiruvananthapuram and Pune; and the third most common one in Mumbai and Bengaluru. What are the symptoms of prostate cancer? Globally, prostate cancer is the second-most common form of cancer and the sixth leading cause of death every year.
Although treatable, there are concerns regarding prostate cancer diagnosis and management as this disease does not often show any prominent symptoms unless the cancer is aggressive or has become large enough to put pressure on the tube that passes urine through the bladder and penis. According to the National Health Service (NHS) of England, enlargement of the prostate gland “does not always mean you have prostate cancer.
Many men’s prostates get larger as they get older because of a non-cancerous condition called benign prostate enlargement.” As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of prostate cancer may vary for different people. Some of the most common ones include:
- Pain and burning sensation during urination
- Painful ejaculation
- Traces of blood in urine
- Weak and interrupted flow of urine
- Blood in semen
- Difficulty in completely emptying the bladder
- Back, hip and pelvic pain that does not go away
- Frequent urination, mostly in the night
Why does prostate cancer not show symptoms in the early stages? Prostate Cancer UK says that most patients with this disease do not show early symptoms – one reason for this could be the way this cancer grows. Early symptoms usually only appear when the cancer grows near urethra – the tube through which one urinates – and presses against it thereby altering the way you urinate. However, because this disease usually starts to grow in outer parts of the prostate, it does not press against the urethra in early stages thereby preventing onset of symptoms.
The health body continued to say that if an individual notices changes in the ways he urinates, it could be a sign of enlarged prostate – a non-cancerous condition common in elderly men. Yet, to be on the safer side, getting diagnosed is important to lower the odds of the disease becoming fatal. What happens when cancer breaks out of the prostate? If cancer progresses enough to break out of the prostate and spread to other body parts – also known as advanced prostate cancer – it can cause a few more symptoms like:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pain in the hips, back and pelvis
- Blood in the semen and urine
- Difficulty in getting and maintaining erections
What are the causes of prostate cancer? As per a report on Mayo Clinic, the root cause of prostate cancer is unclear – however, doctors believe that this condition begins when cells in the prostate start to change their DNA. DNA gives instructions to the cells on what to do – they then start to multiply uncontrollably unlike other healthy cells do. As a result, abnormal cells survive and the normal ones diet – and upon accumulation, they form a tumour that prevents normal functions of nearby tissues. Some factors, however, can increase prostate cancer risk. These include:
- Family history
- Age – men above 50 years of age are more prone to prostate cancer
- Race – prostate cancer is reportedly more aggressive in black people, says Mayo Clinic
- Obesity
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
First published in Times of India