Prostate Cancer

Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

Prostate cancer begins with tiny alterations in the shape and size of the prostate gland cells.

Doctors estimate that almost half of men 50-years and older have these altered cells. The severity of these cell changes is classified as either low-grade or high-grade. Patients who are found to have high-grade alterations, after a prostate biopsy is performed, is at significantly higher risk of developing cancer. Prostate cancer is generally a slow progressing disease. If you are found to be at risk, we will monitor the condition and decide when a second biopsy should be carried out.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Symptoms often do not present during the early stages of prostate cancer. For most men, prostate cancer is discovered during a routine physical exam or blood test. When early symptoms do exist, they can typically include the following:

• Increased urgency to urinate
• Trouble starting and/or maintaining urination
• Blood in urine
• Painful urination
• Painful ejaculation
• Erectile dysfunction

If the prostate cancer is advanced the following symptoms are also possible:

• Bone pain in the spine, pelvis, or ribs
• Weakness in the legs
• Urinary incontinence
• Fecal incontinence

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

Age
Age is considered to be the primary risk factor. The older a man is, the higher is his risk. Prostate cancer is more common at the age of 50 and increases from there.

Genetics
Statistics indicate that genetics is a factor in prostate cancer risk. In the United States, prostate cancer is significantly more common and also more deadly among African Americans. The cancerous genes can also be passed from generation to generation. A man whose father has or had prostate cancer is twice as likely to developing it. Men with a family history should receive regular screenings.

Diet
Studies show that healthy diet and regular exercise can help decrease a man’s odds of developing prostate cancer. Diet should include high amounts of fruits and vegetable and minimal amounts of processed foods. Studies also show that Vitamin D deficiency, red meat and dairy may raise a person’s chances of developing prostate cancer. Regular exercise, at least 3 times per week, should be maintained.

A significant link has also been found between obesity and prostate cancer.

Medication
Some studies have shown a possible link between the daily use of anti-inflammatory medicines and prostate cancer risk.

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)
Men who have had STDs, particularly gonorrhea, have a higher chance of developing prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Treatments

The following treatment options are available for patients:

Early prostate cancer treatments

• Watchful waiting (a specific treatment is not immediately carried out)
• Surgical removal of prostate
• Radioactive seeds implanted into the prostate
• Radiation beams sent to infected region of the prostate

Advanced prostate cancer treatments

• Radiotherapy
• Radioactive injections
• Surgical removal of the prostate
• Hormone therapy
• Medications (Xofigo and Enzalutamide, Xtandi)

Recently, an ultrasound technique for killing cancer tumors without harming healthy tissue has been developed and could transform the treatment of prostate cancer. Research suggests that the treatment is as effective as surgery or radiotherapy, but with fewer side effects.

Men who are over 50 or have a family history should get regular screenings

Though it is a slow-moving disease with very few early symptoms, being proactive is key.

Dr. Jed Kaminetsky, M.D. is a Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU Medical Center and a Board Certified Urologist. His work has been published in many medical journals which led to a nationwide recognition and development of various treatment schemes for patients with sexual and erectile dysfunction.