Understanding Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. While it is highly treatable when detected early, the impact on quality of life can be significant. It is crucial for men to be informed about the disease and seek early detection and appropriate treatment.
What is the Prostate?
The prostate is a small gland below the bladder that surrounds the urethra. It produces fluid that helps nourish and transport sperm.
Who Gets Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is uncommon before age 40 but becomes increasingly more common with age. In South Africa, 1 in 17 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Men with a strong family history are at higher risk.
What Are the Risk Factors?
•Age: The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, particularly after age 50.
•Family History: A family history of prostate cancer can significantly raise risk.
•Race: Black men are at a higher risk for aggressive prostate cancer.
•Obesity and Diet: A diet rich in saturated fats and obesity can contribute to increased risk.
What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
Almost all men with prostate cancer will have no symptoms in the early stages. This is why screening is essential. As the cancer progresses, symptoms may include:
•Difficulty urinating or pain during urination
•Frequent urination, especially at night
•Blood in the urine or semen
•Painful ejaculation or erectile dysfunction
•Swelling in the legs or pelvic area
When Should Men Begin Screening for Prostate Cancer?
Men at high risk (e.g., with a strong family history) should start screening at age 40. Other men can begin at age 40, with screening intervals extended until age 50. After age 50, annual screening is recommended.
How is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
•Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A physical exam to feel for abnormalities in the prostate.
•PSA Blood Test: Measures prostate-specific antigen levels, which may be elevated in prostate cancer.
•Biopsy: A small tissue sample from the prostate is taken for analysis.
•Imaging: MRI, CT, and bone scans may be used to check if cancer has spread.
Types of Prostate Cancer
Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, which develop in the glandular tissue. Other rare types include small cell carcinoma and transitional cell carcinoma.
Stages and Grading
Prostate cancer is staged from 1 to 4, with stage 1 being confined to the prostate and stage 4 indicating spread to other parts of the body. The Gleason score helps grade the cancer’s aggressiveness based on cell appearance under the microscope.
Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer
Treatment options depend on the stage and grade of cancer as well as the patient’s overall health. These include:
•Active Surveillance: For very specific cases of low-grade prostate cancer, the patient may opt to monitor the cancer closely and delay curative treatment.
•Prostate Brachytherapy: This is an effective form of internal radiation therapy performed as day surgery. We work closely with a fantastic oncology team and have excellent outcomes with prostate brachytherapy.
•Radical Prostatectomy: The prostate is surgically removed, which may be done using robotic-assisted surgery or through an open procedure. This option is typically used for localized cancers.
•Chemotherapy: Used for advanced cancers that have spread.
•Hormone Therapy: Lowers testosterone levels to slow the cancer’s growth.
In cases where the cancer is beyond cure or if the patient is unfit for curative treatment, we recommend a treatment pathway focused on improving quality of life through palliative care options.
Dr. Bugwandin’s Expertise
Dr. Santosh Bugwandin provides advanced care for prostate cancer management. With a deep understanding of prostate cancer and its treatment, Dr. Bugwandin ensures that each patient receives a personalised treatment plan for the best possible outcomes.
For more information or to book a consultation, please get in touch with Dr. Santosh Bugwandin.
