Prostate cancer ranks second among the causes of death in men. Its incidence increases with age, and according to various studies it affects 33% of all men over the age of 80. A high percentage of patients is treated successfully, if the disease is diagnosed in time. More than 1000 men die of this disease in the Czech Republic annually, while around 3700 patients are diagnosed annually.
Prostate
The prostate gland is part of the male sexual organs. This unpaired organ encircles the first section of the urethra below the urinary bladder. A significant portion of the ejaculate (seminal fluid) is produced in the prostate.
Cancer
In the healthy body, cells are continually produced and destroyed, and this process is in equilibrium. If this equilibrium is disturbed and cells are produced (they divide) more rapidly, then a mass of new tissue arises, termed a tumour. Tumours may be benign or malignant. Benign (non-cancerous) tumours usually have a capsule, they mostly do not invade surrounding tissues and they compress surrounding organs. Most importantly, they do not penetrate into the vascular or lymphatic system and they do not establish secondary foci (metastases). If the tumour is removed, it usually does not grow back. Malignant (cancerous) tumours are significantly more dangerous to the organism. Tumours of this type grow rapidly and invade the surrounding tissues, which they destroy- local extension of the tumour. Malignant tumours penetrate through the cells of vascular walls and cancerous cells thus extend through the lymphatic or vascular system into other parts of the organism, where further malignant growth may occur (metastasis).
Prostate disease
Prostate disease most frequently involves its benign hypertrophy, so-called benign hyperplasia. This involves simply excessive growth of tissue, which is not cancerous. This excessive growth leads to problems of urination, a slowing or weakening of urinary flow, frequent urination especially at night. One complication can be the inability of the man to urinate.
Prostate cancer signifies malignant involvement of the prostate. At first, the tumour causes no problems. The first symptoms appear when the tumour begins compressing the urethra, or when the tumour infiltrates the base of the urinary bladder. If this malignant disease is not treated in time, distant metastases in other organs may arise.
Main symptoms:
The symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to those of simple prostate hypertrophy. Patients may also have blood in their urine (haematuria) or their ejaculate (haemospermia). In advanced disease stages, patients also have bone pain due to metastatic involvement.
Causes
General lifestyle, environmental factors, stress, diet, inflammatory disease of the urinary system and a number of other factors play a role in the development of prostate cancer. These factors can be influenced to a smaller or greater degree. Another factor are hereditary predispositions- it has been shown that the incidence of prostate cancer is closely associated with the metabolism of steroid hormones.
Prevention
Lifestyle is very important. In general, it may be recommended to stop smoking and avoid smoke-filled rooms, to give preference to a healthy well-balanced diet and to physical rather than sedentary activity. Regular sexual activity is a suitable prevention, naturally on condition of avoiding multiple partners who may represent a risk of infection. Any inflammation is unsuitable, this is why infectious diseases should be avoided if possible, and men should not sit on cold surfaces. If inflammation occurs, it should be treated competently as soon as possible.
Treatment
Several methods may be considered in the treatment of this carcinoma. Selection of the suitable method depends on tumour size and localisation, on patient age and general state of health. These methods include: surgery (in the case of localised tumours), radiotherapy, hormonal treatment and chemotherapy. The best alternative remains prevention, especially in groups at risk of the disease.
How can GenScan reveal the risk of developing prostate cancer?
GenScan analysis studies the polymorphism of genes involved in steroid hormone metabolism. If a high risk of developing prostate cancer is uncovered, the physician recommends preventive measures.