Prostate Cancer

Risk Factors

Although the exact causes are unclear, certain risk factors for developing prostate cancer should be noted.

• 1. Age: Most prostate cancer patients are men over 50 years old.
• 2. Family history: A family member has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Symptoms

There are no symptoms in the early stage, but some patients have the common symptoms below.

• Slow or weak urine flow
• Difficulty urinating
• Taking a long time to empty the bladder
• Pain in the lower back, pelvis, or thighs

Examination Methods

1. Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
By inserting a finger into the patient's rectum, the doctor can assess whether there are any abnormalities in the prostate.

2. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test
Measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. Prostate cancer can cause elevated levels of this antigen.

Further Testing After Diagnosis
If the doctor finds any abnormalities in the results of the digital rectal examination and the PSA blood test, additional tests may be requested, including prostate ultrasound and biopsy.

Treatment Methods

Surgical Treatment
Removal of the prostate along with surrounding tissues, including the seminal vesicles and nearby lymph nodes.

Radiation Therapy (also known as "radiotherapy")
Using radiation to accurately target and destroy cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal cells.

Hormone Therapy
Slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells while preventing hormones from attaching to cancer cells, which provide nutrients to them.

Chemotherapy (also known as "chemotherapy")
Intravenous injection of anti-cancer drugs to control and kill cancer cells.