Prostate cancer is characterized by uncontrolled (malignant) cell growth in the prostate gland. In men, the prostate is a walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, surrounding the urethra – the tube that drains urine from the bladder. The prostate gland produces and stores fluid that aids in the production of sperm.
Apart from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in men in the United States, and it frequently begins without symptoms. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States. The rate of growth of prostate cancer is variable: some grow slowly and men with this type of slow-growing cancer often die of other diseases before prostate cancer causes significant problems. On the other hand, some prostate cancers are more aggressive and can spread outside the confines of the prostate gland, which can be fatal. With early detection and personalized treatment, the survival rate of prostate cancer is greatly improved.
The Facts About Prostate Cancer
- Prostate cancer is still the most common cancer in American men, that the American Cancer Society’s estimates for prostate cancer in the United States for 2021 are: about 248,530 new cases of prostate cancer and about 34,130 deaths from prostate cancer.
- This year, nearly 17,000 men will be diagnosed.
- Many of these men will experience anxiety and depression as a result of their cancer, and they will have a 70% increased risk of committing suicide.
- Men frequently suffer in silence – 72% do not seek help for what they are going through.
We can change that this September, with your help, by raising awareness.
What factors contribute to the development of prostate cancer?
Although it is unknown what causes prostate cancer, researchers are investigating certain risk factors to see if they contribute to prostate cells developing into cancer.
Who is at risk of developing prostate cancer?
Certain men are more likely than others to develop prostate cancer, which may influence when they should begin screening. The risk rises with age, especially after the age of 50. Some risk factors are as follows:
- African Americans are twice as likely as white men to develop the disease.
- Having a family history of prostate cancer – a father or a brother diagnosed with prostate cancer, especially at a young age – raises the risk.
- A genealogy of breast and ovarian cancer may also be associated with an inherited risk of developing prostate cancer (BRCA gene mutation).
- Obesity and/or a high-fat diet
Symptoms
Prostate cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may resemble those of an enlarged prostate, also known as BPH. Prostate cancer can cause symptoms that are unrelated to BPH. Consult your healthcare provider if you are experiencing urinary issues.
Prostate cancer symptoms include:
- Pain in the lower pelvic area that is dull
- Urinating frequently
- Urinary incontinence, pain, burning, or a weak urine flow are all symptoms of urinary incontinence.
- Urine with blood in it (Hematuria)
- Ejaculation is excruciatingly painful.
- Lower back, hip, or upper thigh pain
- Loss in weight
- Bone pain
- Appetite loss
Is it possible to prevent prostate cancer?
There are no specific prostate cancer prevention strategies. There is some evidence that a low-fat, high-vegetable-and-fruit diet may help reduce your prostate cancer risk. Routine screening, which includes a physical exam and PSA blood test, is critical for detecting prostate cancer at an early stage. A healthy diet and exercise are also essential for overall health and disease prevention.
Chad Emerson November 2, 2021 at 7:19 am
Hello Dr. Malik and greetings from Seattle,
I found your YouTube channel tonight rather collaterally as YouTube seems good at doing. I’m a RN as well as former x-ray technologist, involved in the medical field for the last 35 years. As of four years ago I am also a prostate cancer patient/survivor, having been diagnosed with a Gleason 9 adenocarcinoma at the age of 55. I appreciate the work you’re doing here from various angles, especially in the presentation of solid evidence based medical information to an audience which is sorely in need of such education. Let me be clear here that I am in no way seeking advice or consultation. In watching some of your videos and scanning through the titles I appreciate your attention to prostate cancer and its associated problems with which I am throughly familiar. I noticed what may be another opportunity to educate your audience. Although incontinence in general was discussed as a consequence of prostatectomy and I was familiar with stress and urge incontinence beforehand, there was a lack of discussion regarding climacturia. Suffice to say I found that consequence to be rather distressing in the absence of being prepared for it. This dovetails a little with your video on the subject of “peegasm,” as the subject of “squirting” at climax for women seems to be a topic of interest and confusion for both sexes. Both carry a certain level of stigma and possible embarrassment and would benefit from a knowledgeable presentation of the subject.
Respectfully submitted for your consideration,
Chad Emerson, BSN, RN
Michael A Greene December 9, 2021 at 5:11 pm
Dear Doctor Malik, I’ve enjoyed your video explanations. I’m sure you know you provide an important service and just make the world a better place.
Here’s a subject I’ve never seen a good discussion of:
Corrective surgery for stress urinary incontinence.
Three years ago, my prostate cancer was removed by robot, and I’ve been both 100 percent ED and SUI since then. The surgeon gave me Viagra and Oxybutnin, which don’t seem to have much effect.
I saw another doctor who recommended installing a sling by surgery. But as might be expected, I’m really very wary of letting another doctor touch me–but diapers are getting really expensive. Plus, all sex, especially oral sex, is out of the question when I leak so easily.
You might find quite an audience for such a video.
Thanks for all you do.
admin December 25, 2021 at 2:41 pm
Thank you for watching my videos. Corrective surgery for post-prostatectomy incontinence can be lifechanging but with everything there are risks and benefits, please discuss with your urologist, or I’m happy to recommend someone in your area.
admin December 25, 2021 at 2:43 pm
Thanks for your comment. I will work on this topic in the future! Sorry to hear about your struggles.