Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men after lung cancer. It often grows slowly and can go undetected for years. The prostate is a gland located behind the penis that produces seminal fluid. Risk factors for prostate cancer include age, race, family history, diet, and hormones. Tests for early detection include a PSA test, digital rectal exam, and transrectal ultrasound. Treatment depends on the stage of cancer and may involve surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy, with potential side effects like fatigue, urinary problems, and sexual issues.
2. FACTS
The most common type of cancer in men after lung cancer
Can grow slowly and not be detected for years
Most men with advanced stages respond to treatment well
Studies have shown that men who masturbate have a lower risk of
getting prostate cancer
3. PROSTATE
Located behind the base of the penis
Surrounds the urethra and its main function is seminal fluid
production (hence the glands)
Seminal fluid aids in transportation, protection and nutrition of
sperm
6. TESTS FOR EARLY
DETECTION
ELISA test for PSA test (prostrate specific antigen)
DRE (digital rectal examination)
TRUS (trans rectal ultrasound)
Biopsy
9. SYMPTOMS
Frequent urination
Pain or burning sensation during urination
Frequent urge to urinate at night
Pain in the back, weight loss, fatigue (due to metastasis of the
cancer)
Most people don’t get checked as they think it could be a venereal
disease
17. METHODS OF TREATMENT
Surgery – removal of cancer cells and surrounding lymph nodes (to avoid
metastasis, may cause urinary incontinence and sexual side effects; )
Radiation therapy – use of high energy x-ray’s to destroy cancer cells. Can be
done by ether – external beam (outside the body), IMRT (intensity modulated
radiation therapy – small beams aimed at the cancer from different angles) or
Brachytherapy (insertion or radioactive pellets into the prostate)
Hormone therapy - reduction of testosterone to reduce cancer growth
Chemotherapy – last resort and non specific. Use of Paclitaxek, Estracyte and
Cyclophosphamide
18. SIDE EFFECTS OF
TREATMENT
Fatigue
Redness, dryness of prostate
Rash around prostrate
Sexual side effects (inability to “perform”)
Pain
Urination problems