Prostate Cancer: Getting to identify the symptoms and taking the right step forward

The prostate, a small chestnut-sized gland located below the bladder and above the muscles of the pelvic floor, is part of the male reproductive system. It plays a crucial role as it produces seminal fluid which nourishes and transports sperms during ejaculation while keeping them safe¹. However, as men age, the prostate can cause voiding or urinary symptoms, as well as becoming a source of cancer².

Prostate cancer occurs when the cells in the prostate glands start to grow out of control³. It is one of the most common types of cancer in men often growing slowly and initially confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm. However, some types of prostate cancer can be aggressive and spread rapidly. Cases of prostate cancer are surging alarmingly around the world, and it is a significant health issue affecting men globally. According to the World Health Organization, it is one of the most diagnosed malignant and one of the least preventable cancers, and it accounted for around 1.41 million new cases and 375,000 deaths worldwide in 2022⁴.

Understanding risk factors, prevention strategies and treatment options can help individuals to make informed decisions about their health. Let's delve into the intricacies of prostate cancer to gain a better understanding of this disease.

Certain behaviours, factors and conditions can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer:

• Age: The risk increases significantly with age, particularly after the age of 50⁵.
• Family history: A family history of prostate cancer can increase the risk of developing the disease⁵.
• Obesity or being overweight: Having one of these conditions makes it more likely that prostate cancer can be diagnosed at a later stage⁵.
• Environmental factors: Air pollution is more prevalent in urban areas, and exposure to toxins may increase the risk of prostate cancer⁵.

Identifying the symptoms

In its early stages, prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms. However, as it progresses, the below symptoms may appear:

• Difficulty in urinating,
• Decreased force in the stream of urine,
• A need to urine more frequently,
• Blood in the urine or semen,
• Testicles pain,
• Difficulty in having an erection.⁶

Prevention is better than cure

While many people may wonder how to prevent prostate cancer, there’s no way to avoid the disease. However, certain strategies may help reduce the risk:

• Healthy Diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while limiting red meat and high-fat dairy products can help reduce the risk. Saturated fat in red meat can increase inflammation associated with cancer and other chronic diseases. Moreover, try to get most of your calcium from plant-based food sources: tofu, chickpeas, lentils, sprouts and peanuts. Vitamin D-rich foods such as cod liver oil, wild salmon and dried shitake mushrooms can also help protect against cancer and many other conditions⁷.
• Regular exercise: Regular exercise can help improve your immune function, maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer⁷.
• Regular screening: Discuss with your doctor about the benefits and risks of prostate cancer screening, especially if you are potentially at risk. A rectal examination with your Urologist is recommended, as well as a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test or a radiology screening can help detect prostate cancer⁷.
• Avoid smoking: Smoking is linked to many types of cancer, including prostate cancer.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol consumption can increase the risk of prostate cancer⁷.
• Follow-up care: Regular appointments are crucial to monitor for any signs of cancer recurrence and manage any side effects of treatment.

A proper diagnosis of cancer is essential for appropriate and effective treatment, as each type of cancer requires a specific treatment regime. Treatment generally includes surgery, radiotherapy and/or systemic therapy (chemotherapy, hormonal treatments, targeted biological therapies)⁴. The statistics can be alarming, but by remaining informed and proactive, you can improve your chances of early detection and successful treatment, thereby improving your quality of life. Do not forget that it is highly recommended to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate approach for your specific situation.

Reference List:

1. In brief: How does the prostate work? (2025) National Library of Medicine https://bit.ly/4efuCaV Accessed: 12 September 2024).
2. Prostate Cancer (no date) Mayo Clinic https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087#:~:text=The%20prostate%20is%20a%20small,becoming%20a%20source%20of%20cancer (Accessed: 12 September 2024).
3. What is Prostate Cancer? (2023) American Cancer Society. Available at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/about/what-is-prostate-cancer.html (Accessed: 11 September 2024)
4. Cancer (no date) World Health Organization. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer (Accessed: 11 September 2024)
5. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month: Why Is The Condition More Common In Men Living In Cities? (2024) Times Now. Available at: https://www.timesnownews.com/health/prostate-cancer-awareness-month-why-is-the-condition-more-common-in-men-living-in-cities-article-113221272 (Accessed: 11 September 2024)
6. Prostate Cancer Symptoms and Signs (2020) Prostate Cancer Foundation. Available at: https://www.pcf.org/about-prostate-cancer/what-is-prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-symptoms-signs/ (Accessed: 11 September 2024)
7. Prostate Cancer Prevention (no date) Johns Hopkins Medicine. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-prevention (Accessed: 11 September 2024)