A major complication of (untreated) prostate cancer is metastasized cancer. This means that the cancer is spread to (nearby) body tissue, lymph nodules, and/or organs. Once the cancer is in vital organs and does damage, the organ can stop working which can lead to death. Other complications are incontinence and erectile dysfunction. This is why it’s important to check as much as possible and recognize its warning signs.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Unfortunately, there aren’t any early symptoms of prostate cancer. This means that when you experience symptoms, cancer has probably progressed. Symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- Frequent (& urgent) need to urinate – at night
- Weak urine flow or flow that stops and starts
- Painful urination
- Fecal incontinence
- Painful ejaculations
- Erectile dysfunction
- Blood in urine and/or semen
- Lower back pain
- Hip pain
- Chest pain
- Leg and/or feet numbness
- Unintended weight loss
- Bone pain
Treatment Options
Before a professional healthcare provider can diagnose someone, they have to do several tests and exams. Screening tests for prostate cancer include a rectal exam, to examine the prostate gland, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, elevated levels that may indicate cancer, and a biopsy, to examine the prostate for cancerous cells.
If the diagnosis of prostate cancer has been made, not all men need to be treated, as their cancer progresses slowly and doesn’t spread. This group of men will be under active surveillance, which means they will be re-examined every 1 – 3 years to see how the cancer has grown and whether treatments should take place at that time. Treatment options for prostate cancer include:
- Brachytherapy
- External beam radiation therapy
- Systemic therapy, like chemotherapy & immunotherapy
- Focal therapy
- Prostatectomy
There are so many ways to treat cancer these days, the above-mentioned options are just a few examples. Sometimes they are combined, but it can also happen that these treatments do not help (anymore), so other options should be considered. That’s why it’s essential to do your own extensive online research and stay up to date about new treatments. Have you already been diagnosed with prostate cancer but aren’t satisfied with your treatment plan? Getting a second opinion in another hospital or oncology center is always smart. Continue your search for more information about prostate cancer, PSA levels by age charts, and cancer treatment options here:
