Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer to affect American men. It is second only to skin cancer in its incidence, with more than 300,000 new cases diagnosed annually. The prognosis is very good for prostate cancer that is identified in its early stages. The longer patients wait for treatment, however, the fewer options are available, and the less effective they may be.
Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) is one of the nation’s largest networks of cancer specialists. Our experienced and compassionate medical oncologists deliver cutting-edge prostate cancer treatments at more than 20 locations near you in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area. Learn more about how we help patients with all types of cancer and blood disorders obtain the best possible outcomes.
Under normal conditions, there is a balance between the number of cells created by cell division and the number of cells that die, ensuring that the body is continually supplied with healthy, well-functioning cells. However, a genetic change may cause cells to mutate. The mutated cells reproduce too quickly, creating a malignant tumor that does not stop growing and spreading. This is what we call cancer.
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system. It is found just below the bladder, surrounding the urethra. Its primary purpose is to produce seminal fluid to nourish and transport sperm. Multiple types of prostate cancer may form in this gland and surrounding tissue, including:
Prostate cancer is common. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately one in every eight men will develop prostate cancer. Its incidence rate is also rising, with more new cases each year.
Most cases of prostate cancer show no symptoms in their early stages, when the tumor is detectable only with medical screening followed by further evaluation of concerning findings. Symptoms develop as the disease advances. The growing tumor may press against the bladder and urethra, causing changes in bathroom habits or other signs that may include:
Prostate cancer may also affect a man’s sexual function. The following signs may be indicators of prostate cancer:
Late-stage prostate cancer may spread to other parts of the body. When this happens, symptoms may begin to appear elsewhere in the body. Common signs of metastatic prostate cancer include:
Many of the symptoms described above may also be caused by other conditions or diseases. While most urinary conditions are not cancerous, they can still be serious. Patients should always consult their primary care physician if they notice sudden changes in their urinary habits, sexual function, or any other symptoms.
Prostate cancer begins when a genetic mutation causes healthy cells in the prostate to grow uncontrollably. The exact cause for this change is not always known. However, medical research has identified several risk factors that increase a person’s likelihood of developing prostate cancer:
A person’s age directly corresponds to his likelihood of developing prostate cancer. It is rare for men to develop cancer before 40. The likelihood increases significantly after age 50, with most diagnoses occurring after age 65. The median age at prostate cancer diagnosis in the United States is 67.
People of certain ethnic backgrounds and races are more susceptible to prostate cancer than others. Men of Caribbean and African descent are more likely to develop prostate cancer than Caucasian and Latino men. Additionally, men living in North America, Australia, the Caribbean, and Northwestern Europe develop the disease more often than those living elsewhere.
Some cases of prostate cancer are tied to an inherited mutation. Men with mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene are at greater risk of developing prostate cancer, as are men with Lynch syndrome, a non-symptomatic condition affecting how DNA repairs itself. If a man’s close family member, such as his father, brother, or son, is diagnosed with prostate cancer, he should talk with his physician about genetic testing.
Several other factors may increase a person’s risk for prostate cancer, but their relationship with cancer is less well-known. Further research is needed to confirm their impact. These possible risk factors include:
Because early-stage prostate cancer does not often exhibit symptoms, many cases are first detected through routine screening. Men should consider annual cancer screening beginning at age 50. Men at higher-than-average risk may begin screening earlier. Evas Prostate cancer screening and evaluation entails the following steps:
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is often used to screen for prostate cancer in men who have no symptoms or who report symptoms that might be caused by prostate cancer. The test, which requires only a simple blood draw, measures levels of prostate-specific antigens in the blood. These are proteins that are produced by cells in the prostate gland; they are often produced at higher levels by cancerous cells.
If the patient is suspected to have prostate cancer, whether due to symptoms or a concerning result from screening, the physician will review his medical history. The doctor will ask about any urinary or sexual problems the patient is experiencing, as well as family history and other possible risk factors. The physician will then perform a physical exam, including a digital rectal exam (DRE). This involves inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel for bumps or hard areas that may indicate a tumor.
If cancer is suspected, the diagnosis can be confirmed with a prostate biopsy. This involves using a hollow needle to remove small amounts of tissue and fluid from the prostate. The samples are examined under a microscope to determine whether they contain any cancer cells; how many cancer cells, if any, are present; and the extent to which they differ from normal cells. The information obtained from examining the biopsy specimens also can tell physicians how aggressively the cancer is spreading and whether the cancer has mutations or other features that would make it susceptible to a targeted therapy.
After diagnosis, the physician will identify the stage of prostate cancer. This is determined through the TNM system, which evaluates the cancer’s tumor size, whether it has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and whether it has metastasized or spread outside the prostate. Stages are numbered from I to IV, with higher numbers indicating greater spread:
A patient’s chance of surviving prostate cancer is very good if the disease has not spread. The five-year relative survival rate for prostate cancer is more than 99% for Stage I, Stage II, and Stage III. If the cancer has moved to other areas of the body, however, it becomes much more difficult to treat. The five-year relative survival rate for Stage IV metastatic prostate cancer is 30%. This gap highlights the importance of early detection of prostate cancer. The sooner patients are diagnosed and receive treatment, the more likely they are to do well.
The most appropriate treatment for a particular patient’s prostate cancer depends on a variety of factors, including the stage of cancer and the patient’s overall health. RCCA’s medical oncologists consider all factors carefully to develop a personalized treatment plan. Treatment options include:
Patients who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer can find comprehensive care at Regional Cancer Care Associates. Our medical oncologists and hematologists treat all kinds of cancer and blood disorders at more than 20 locations near you in New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area, helping patients obtain the best possible results. Contact us to learn more about our prostate cancer treatments.
What are the early signs of prostate cancer?
In most cases, early prostate cancer has no symptoms. When symptoms appear, they may include changes in bathroom habits, such as frequent urination or difficulty urinating. They may also include erectile dysfunction, blood in semen, and discomfort during sexual activity.
How is prostate cancer detected?
Early-stage prostate cancer is usually detected with a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test. Other diagnostic tests for prostate cancer include digital rectal examination (DRE) or medical imaging tests. The diagnosis is confirmed with a prostate biopsy.
What causes prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer begins with a mutation in healthy prostate cells. What causes this mutation is still unknown, though researchers believe it is due to a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors.
What are the main risk factors for prostate cancer?
The primary risk factors for prostate cancer include being older than 50 years of age, African American or Caribbean ancestry, and a family history of prostate cancer. Chemical exposure, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and some lifestyle factors may also play a role in increasing a person’s prostate cancer risk.
What are the main treatment options for prostate cancer?
The preferred choice of treatment for a man’s prostate cancer depends on factors including the stage of cancer, whether it exhibits certain qualities that make it susceptible to targeted treatments, and the patient’s overall health. Options offered by RCCA include active surveillance, hormone therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy. RCCA’s medical oncologists collaborate closely with surgeons and radiation oncologists, who also are oftn key members of a prostate cancer patient’s care team. RCCA also provides patients with access to clinical trials for the latest advances in prostate cancer treatment.
After a prostate cancer diagnosis, it’s important to find skilled and experienced cancer physicians who are committed to your health and will provide the highest-quality care to help meet your individual needs. It’s all a part of our patient-centered approach to treating the whole person. Plus, with over 25 care centers throughout the New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, DC area, you’ll be able to receive the care you need at a location that’s convenient for you.
Contact RCCA today at 844-346-7222 to schedule an appointment with our highly specialized team of oncologists, and give yourself the best fighting chance against prostate cancer.
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