What is prostate cancer, what are its symptoms and how is it treated?

*This text has been written based on the information received from health institutions and organizations, hospitals and health professionals. If you or someone you know has any of the symptoms described here, our recommendation is to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

This prostate canceris a silent disease surrounded by taboos, accounting for 13.5% of all cancers in the world. The most common tumor among men over 50 years of age, it is responsible for about 10% of all cancer deaths in male patients in Brazil, many of which were preventable.

Trans women can also be affected by the disease, so screening with exams and proper follow-up with doctors is important.

According to data from the National Cancer Institute (INCA), prostate cancer It corresponds to 29% of cancer cases in men. Brazil has about 66,000 new cases of the disease annually, resulting in almost 16,000 deaths.

The incidence is quite high: one in eight men prostate cancerAccording to data from the British NGO Prostate Cancer UK. And the best way to avoid a serious case of illness is to take precautions, along with testing for early detection. See how below.

Prostate cancer symptoms

This prostate It is a small walnut-shaped gland found only in males and located under the bladder. It produces seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. In the early stages, tumors in this area do not show any symptoms and therefore may take a long time to be detected.

Prostate cancer begins when cells in the area begin to grow out of control. However, tumor that can grow and invade nearby tissues. Over time, some of these abnormal cells can leave the tumor and spread to other parts of the body, causing metastasis.

In more advanced stages, prostate tumors can cause symptoms such as urination problems – decreased urine flow, incontinence or frequent urination; the presence of blood in the urine and/or semen; bone pain; weight loss and erectile dysfunction.

prostate cancer prevention

despite prostate cancer In case of predisposition, it cannot be prevented, there are attitudes that can reduce the risk of contracting the disease.

Some studies have found that overweight or obese men have a higher risk of developing the disease in advanced stages or more likely to be fatal.

A few studies have also pointed to an increased risk of developing it. prostate cancer In men whose diets are high in dairy products and calcium.

Attitudes towards reducing the risk of prostate cancer:

• Maintain a healthy weight: If your current weight is ideal, maintain it by eating a healthy diet and exercising. If you need to lose weight, add more exercise to your day and cut calories with the help of a doctor/nutritionist.
• Staying physically active: Exercise improves overall health, helps maintain weight, and improves mood. Ideally, exercise most days of the week;
• Follow a healthy diet: include a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables and whole grains on the menu, avoid or limit consumption of red and processed meats, sugary drinks and highly processed foods.

detection examinations

Early detection prostate cancer It can be done by examining with clinical, laboratory, endoscope or radiological examinations in people with signs and symptoms suggestive of the disease or in groups with a higher chance of catching the disease.

Examinations are digital rectal and blood tests – to assess PSA (prostate-specific antigen) dosage. If the PSA level is high, the man will need more tests to check for prostate cancer.

PSA also helps determine whether the disease is confined to the prostate or in an advanced stage.

prostate cancer treatment

treatment for prostate tumor will depend on individual circumstances. For many, no treatment will be needed. When treatment is necessary, it is done so that the disease affects the patient’s daily life as little as possible and does not reduce life expectancy.

Patients should be cared for by a multidisciplinary team of specialists who work together to provide the best care and treatment. Surgeons are oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, and nurses. The team may also include physical therapists, nutritionists, and therapists or psychologists.

Treatment can range from careful observation, which is strict monitoring of progress through regular consultations, to indicated surgery to remove tumors contained within the gland. prostate – undergoing radiotherapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy.

Because every case is different, the team uses the test results to determine the stage of the cancer and determine what treatment is needed. If diagnosed at an early stage, the chances of survival are usually good.