Prostate cancer usually occurs in men during their 50s and beyond
. This kind of disease is commonly detected in these ages because it usually grows unnoticed during its early years of development. During its early years, it is only contained in the prostate and in some rare cases; it spreads to other parts of the body. The most common symptom of this kind of cancer is urinary problem. However, during the early stages of this type of cancer, the symptoms may not be visible.
As a prevention, a male individual must maintain active surveillance if they are already in the age of 50 and above. A couple of tests can be performed and biopsy samples can be taken to know if the patient already has prostate cancer. When a person is diagnosed with this kind of cancer, they will be closely monitored to know if the cancer already spread to the other organs. That treatment that will be given to the patient will be modified depending on their current condition.
One of the best treatments for this kind of cancer is surgery. The whole prostate gland will be removed when the patient undergo surgery. This kind of treatment is usually recommended during the advanced stages of the cancer. The doctors will explain the risks to the patient before the operation. The patient will be the one to decide whether to continue the operation or not. The removal of the prostate gland has certain effects on the functions of the reproductive system of the male.
Another method used to treat prostate cancer is radiation therapy. The doctor will use high energy machines to destroy the cancer cells in the body. However, this kind of treatment has certain side effects because normal cells are also destroyed during the therapy.
People must know all the risks and side effects of these treatments before they start the therapy.