10/01/2025
PROSTATE CANCER: WHAT EVERY MAN SHOULD KNOW
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men.
Why is it so common?
When should you be concerned?
Let’s learn everything about prostate cancer, and how to reduce your risk of developing it.
WHAT IS THE PROSTATE, AND WHY DOES IT MATTER?
The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system, just about the size of a walnut.
What does it do?
It produces a fluid that nourishes and protects the s***m.
The fluid mixes with s***m to form semen, which is vital for fertility.
WHAT IS PROSTATE CANCER?
Prostate cancer occurs when the cells in the prostate gland begin to grow uncontrollably.
They may form tumors that can stay in the prostate or spread to other areas like the bones, lymph nodes and lungs.
There’re 2 main types:
- Slow growing prostate cancer
- Aggressive prostate cancer
Slow growing cancers may not cause symptoms for years, and requires little or no treatment.
Aggressive prostate cancer grows very fast, spreads quickly, and requires immediate attention.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Certain factors increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. They include:
- Age: The older a man gets, the more likely he is to develop prostate cancer.
It rises significantly after 50, and most cases are diagnosed after 65.
- Family history: Your risk of developing it increases, if your father, brother or close relative had it.
- Race: African men have a higher risk of developing aggressive forms of prostate cancer.
- Lifestyle factors: An unhealthy diet, sedentary lifestyle and bad vices over time increases your risk of developing prostate cancer.
- Genetic mutations: Mutations in BRCA 1&2 genes increases your risk.
BRCA genes are tumor suppressor genes and mutations or changes predispose you to cancer.
WHEN SHOULD YOU BE CONCERNED?
Prostate cancer develops silently, especially in its early stages.
However, as it progresses, symptoms include:
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Blood in urine or semen
- Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or pelvis.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
Diagnosis is usually a combination of:
- PSA (Prostate-specific antigen) blood test: Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, or benign prostatic hyperplasia.
- Digital re**al examination: A doctor checks the prostate for lumps or abnormalities.
- Biopsy: If cancer is suspected, a small tissue sample is taken from the prostate and examined for confirmation.
MRIs or CT scans can be used to check if cancer has spread to other areas.