What Is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a small walnut-shaped organ that produces seminal fluid, which nourishes sperm and is released during sexual activity. It provides a passage for the urethra, a duct that carries the urine from your bladder. Common symptoms of prostate cancer can include:
- Frequent urge to pee
- Urinary urgency
- Weak urine flow
- Blood in urine or semen
- Feeling that your bladder is not empty
How Many People Does it Affect Globally?
Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer for men after skin cancer, and the fourth most common cancer for all genders.
Globally, the incidence of prostate cancer has increased by 116.11% from 1990 to 2019. A study shows that the risk of cancer can vary 25-fold in various parts of the world whereas the highest rates are in Australia, New Zealand, North America, and Northern and Western Europe. Over 85% of newly diagnosed patients are age 60 years or over.
Does Early Prostate Cancer Detection and Staging Play a Role in its Treatment?
There is no single specific test for prostate cancer however, it has conventionally been diagnosed by a digital rectal examination (DRE), which is why it is suggested for men older than 40 years of age to have regular appointments with their doctors. Furthermore, the European Association of Urology explains that factors such as age, family history of prostate cancer, and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) comorbidities should never be ignored.
Symptoms of LUTS can include:
- Poor urine stream
- Sudden urge to urinate
- Waking up at night to pee
- Feeling like your bladder is not empty.
The Association of Urology also suggests the DRE and PSA, both of which are diagnostic tests for prostate cancers.
Studies have suggested that males who meet certain risk criteria, such as being older than 50, having a family history of prostate cancer, being of African American heritage, and having BRCA2 mutations, since age 40, should consider getting tested for early detection. BRCA2 is a specific gene in your genetic makeup that makes you susceptible to developing prostate cancer, and some other forms of cancers in both men and women.
What are some Treatment Options for Prostatic Carcinoma?
There are various treatments for prostate cancer and each of them differs in terms of cost, and effectiveness. For example, surgeries such as radical prostatectomy can cost anywhere between $16000 to $17,000. This is only the cost of the surgery and does not include other hospital expenses. Recovery from surgery can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks if there are no complications. Radiation therapy on the other hand can cost $13,000 to $14,000. The treatment courses last for several weeks.
Hormone therapy which is often combined with other treatments or for advanced cancers can cost approximately $1,000 to $1,500 monthly and can continue for months or years. Immunotherapy and newer treatments like proton beam or targeted therapies are more expensive and can exceed $100,000.
Finally, let’s talk about chemotherapy. Its cost can vary greatly depending on factors such as geographical location and the severity of the disease chemotherapy. For example in India, it can range from $200 to $25,000 whereas in some parts of the world, it can cost way more. The process spans over a few months. Treatment choice also affects long-term follow-up costs and potential ongoing management of side effects.
Where to Find More Prostate Cancer Information
For detailed information about its signs and symptoms, you can visit Prostate Cancer UK They have an excellent section named About prostate cancer that can help you understand prostate cancer, its symptoms, its risk factors, and if you are at risk of developing prostate cancer.
The American Cancer Society has an elaborate section dedicated to prostate cancer, which includes what prostate cancer is, its incidence, its causes, effects, symptoms, and everything else you need to know.
Cleaveland Clinic offers you a deeper view into the symptoms, risks, and most importantly the treatment of prostate cancer. You can go through their article Prostate Cancer for more valuable information.
Lastly, NHS offers you a short, clear, and precise section to read. They have explained the symptoms, causes, diagnostic procedures, and treatment methods. You can read their overview; Prostate cancer for further details.
Conclusion
Statistically, prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death in men as it can spread to other parts of the body if not treated promptly it can ultimately impair the body’s normal functions and even lead to death. The treatment of prostate cancer is difficult and expensive however, when diagnosed in early stages, it is much more manageable for the patient and his family.
