Throughout the years, the survival of men suffering from prostate cancer has improved due to the continuous research and development in prostate cancer treatment.
The advent of prostate cancer care with robotic prostatectomy (robotic surgery to remove the prostate), radiotherapy (external and internal) combined with hormonal treatment, novel antiandrogens, focal therapy (HIFU, NanoKnife), and other modalities are shaping health and care excellence.
These and other treatments as stand-alone or combination options are available at early stages and later ones, with a clear positive impact on early and metastatic prostate cancer. The doctor (NHS urology consultant, private urologist, cancer nurse specialist, oncologist) will guide you throughout the diagnosis and treatment.
Men are always recommended to take charge of their overall health by following a balanced diet, regular exercise, and lean body weight. Men with prostate cancer who have a leaner body weight tend to do better than those who are overweight or obese.
What are the common types of prostate cancer cells?
- Adenocarcinoma (the most common)
- Small cell carcinomas (rare and very aggressive)
- Neuroendocrine tumours other than small cell carcinomas ((rare and very aggressive)
- Sarcomas (rare and very aggressive)
Does the size of the prostate gland matter?
A small gland or enlarged prostate does not increase or decrease the risk of prostate cancer. However, the size can affect the initial treatment, depending on the prostate symptoms. Suppose a man opts for radiotherapy to treat cancer, and they are experiencing an inability to empty the bladder entirely or other symptoms related to an enlarged prostate. In that case, the doctor will order tests like urine flow tests, ultrasound post-void residual, and then benign prostatic hyperplasia. BPH treatments are typically offered to men before the radiotherapy treatment.
What are the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer?
A change in your water habit is more likely to be an issue from the prostate that has grown (medically, this is called benign prostatic hyperplasia, – bph). Urine symptoms include
- taking a long time to start emptying your bladder
- a poor flow / intermittent stream of urine
- you remain in doubt if you have emptied your bladder completely
- urinary incontinence
- waking at night to empty the bladder
- an urge to urinate or increased frequency of urinating
If prostate cancer progresses and breaches the capsule of the prostate or spreads to different areas of the body, it can cause a person to complain of:
- bone pain (typically back pain)
- erectile dysfunction
- blood in the urine or blood in the semen
- tiredness
- loss of appetite
What are the chances of survival from prostate cancer over 5 years based on men's age only?
Men between the ages of 15 and 49 have around 90%
Men between the ages of 60 and 69 have around 94%
Men between the ages of 80 and 99 have around 66%
The increased survival from prostate cancer in men in their sixties is likely related to the higher rate of PSA testing and physical exams, leading to earlier access to medical help. Early detection leads to better disease control. The greater risk is in the higher-risk category of metastatic prostate cancer.
With increased awareness of the symptoms of prostate cancer, like trouble urinating, typically poor urine flow, pain, and blood in urine, in combination with the spread of education on the high-risk factors of prostate cancer, like family history of prostate cancer, breast cancer, or colon cancer, African American men or afro-Caribbean men, older men are leading to more men visiting their doctor to get a PSA test, have a health check during which their prostate gland is examined, and have cancer diagnosed earlier on.
How do you prevent prostate cancer?
There have been numerous attempts to look at foods or diets that prevent or reduce the risk of prostate cancer. A healthy diet rich in lycopene has been favored, but more robust data is needed.
What are the stages of prostate cancer?
The prostate cancer stage is based on the TNM system. The doctor will use five components that will determine your prostate cancer stage:
- The T category reflects prostate cancer's position (cancer located in one lobe, two lobes, breached the prostate gland, etc.)
- The N category reflects the lymph node status. Lymph nodes are the sentinels in our body. If the lymph nodes are not involved, it is classified as N0.
- The M category shows the extent of the spread of prostate cancer in your body. If it has not spread, it is classified as M0.
- The blood test PSA level
- The Gleason group score is a classification that shows the cells' potential aggression (how fast it grows and spreads). This can only be worked up from a biopsy of the prostate gland. Low-risk prostate cancer has a Gleason group score of 1, and aggressive cancer has a Gleason group of 5.
The doctor will then base treatment options on whether there is early prostate cancer or advanced prostate cancer. In addition, your general health, urinary symptoms, erectile dysfunction, and prostate cancer symptoms will determine the treatment options.
What is the survival rate of prostate cancer by stage at diagnosis?
For more precise prostate cancer survival data, the stage of the disease at diagnosis is the most crucial factor. Early prostate cancer carries a better prognosis than metastatic prostate cancer. Ask your NHS consultant, private urologist, or cancer nurse specialist what stage you are at.
One-year net survival of prostate cancer by stage
Stage 1 carries a survival rate of 100%
Stage 2 carries a survival rate of 100%
Stage 3 carries a survival rate of 100%
Stage 4 carries only a survival rate of 88%.
Five-year net survival of prostate cancer by stage
Stage 1 carries a survival rate of 100%
Stage 2 carries a survival rate of 100%
Stage 3 carries a survival rate of 95%
Stage 4 carries a survival rate of 49%
Reflection from a prostate cancer consultant
Diagnosis of prostate cancer and prostate cancer symptoms harm the lives of men. The data above clearly shows that the outlook of prostate cancer at all stages is promising. Meeting the unmet needs of men with cancer is the challenge faced by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to achieve a better quality of life. With innovation, other prostate cancer treatment options are increasingly available, adding to the armamentarium to ensure better care.
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