Prostate cancer is a common disease experienced by men aged over 50 years. The prostate is a gland in the bladder that protects the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis. If the function is disrupted and not handled properly, there is a risk of prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is a serious disease and occurs slowly. This disease is characterized by difficulty urinating and pain when urinating. In order to avoid this disease, know the following causes, symptoms, and treatment of prostate cancer.
Prostate Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland develop abnormally. However, the cause of the mutation of cells in the prostate gland is not known with certainty. However, there are various factors that can increase the risk of prostate cancer, namely:
- Obese.
- Age.
- Family history.
- Have a sexually transmitted disease.
- Exposure to hazardous chemicals.
- The body lacks fiber, for example, inadequate intake of antioxidants and lycopene.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
Early-stage prostate cancer does not cause significant symptoms. However, when prostate cancer enters an advanced stage, it will cause the following symptoms:
- Weak urine flow.
- Difficulty holding back urination
- Blood in urine and semen.
- Bone pain or discomfort in the pelvic area.
- Pain in the penis when ejaculating or urinating.
- Bladder feels full.
- Frequent urination at night.
In addition, people with advanced prostate cancer will experience excruciating pain in the bones of the pelvis, groin, or spine.
Prostate Cancer Treatment
For early-stage prostate cancer, the doctor will monitor it intensively. This is because treatment for early-stage prostate cancer has the risk of causing side effects. However, during monitoring from the doctor, the patient will undergo examination and biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous growth. If the development of cancer cells is detected, here are some treatments recommended by doctors:
- Hormone therapy. Procedure to inhibit the production of the hormone testosterone, thereby preventing the growth of cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy. A procedure that uses high-energy energy to kill cancer cells.
- Biological therapy. Procedures that use drugs to kill cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy. A procedure that takes some of the body’s immune cells to kill cancer cells.
- cryotherapy. A procedure performed to freeze tissue by entering cold gas to kill cancer cells.
- Prostate surgery. Surgery is the right choice for advanced prostate cancer patients. This procedure aims to remove the prostate gland and other tissues around it.
Prostate Cancer Prevention
Although it cannot be prevented, you can adopt a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, namely:
- Exercise regularly.
- Increase your intake of vegetables and fruit every day.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol.
- Manage stress appropriately.
- Eat fruits and vegetables every day.
In order not to cause serious complications, it is important to detect prostate cancer symptoms early, so that the chances of recovery are greater. Therefore, if you experience symptoms or there are risk factors for prostate cancer, consult your doctor to find out ways that can reduce symptoms and avoid risk factors.
