Yosuke Miki*
Department of Cancer and Occupational Health and Safety, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
Received: 01-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. RCT-23-94094; Editor assigned: 06- Mar -2023, PreQC No. RCT-23-94094 (PQ); Reviewed: 20-Mar-2023, QC No. RCT-23-94094; Revised: 27-Mar-2023, Manuscript No. RCT-23-94094 (R); Published: 31- Mar-2023, DOI: 10.4172/Rep cancerTreat.7.1.010.
Citation: Miki Y. Spotting the Signs of Prostate Cancer: A Comprehensive Guide. 2023; 7: 010.
Copyright: © 2023 Miki Y. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Visit for more related articles at Reports in Cancer and Treatment
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States [1]. It occurs when cells in the prostate gland grow and divide uncontrollably, forming a tumor that can spread to other parts of the body. The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age, and it is important for men to be aware of the symptoms and screening options available to them.
Symptoms of prostate cancer can include difficulty urinating, decreased flow of urine, blood in the urine or semen, and pain in the pelvic area or lower back. However, many men with prostate cancer do not experience any symptoms, making early detection through screening crucial.
Screening for prostate cancer typically involves a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test and a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). However, there is ongoing debate about the effectiveness of PSA screening, as it can lead to over diagnosis and overtreatment of prostate cancer. The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends that men between the ages of 55 and 69 discuss the potential benefits and harms of PSA screening with their healthcare provider and make an informed decision about whether to be screened [2].
Treatment options for prostate cancer depend on the stage and grade of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health and age. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. Active surveillance, which involves regular monitoring of the cancer without immediate treatment, may also be an option for some men with low-risk prostate cancer.
In recent years, there has been increasing interest in using biomarkers to help guide treatment decisions for prostate cancer. Biomarkers are measurable substances in the body that can indicate the presence or severity of a disease. For example, the Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score test can help predict the likelihood of prostate cancer recurrence after surgery or radiation therapy, and can help determine whether additional treatment is necessary [3].
Another promising biomarker for prostate cancer is the prostate health index (phi), which combines measurements of PSA, free PSA, and proPSA. This test can help distinguish between prostate cancer and benign prostate conditions, and may be useful in guiding decisions about whether to perform a biopsy or initiate treatment for prostate cancer [4,5].
Prostate cancer is a significant health concern for men, being the most common cancer among men in the United States and the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in the world. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, with an estimated 34,700 deaths in 2023. However, most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it, and the death rate has been decreasing due to advances in screening and treatment. It is important for men to be aware of the risk factors for prostate cancer, such as age and race, and to discuss screening options with their healthcare provider. Early detection and treatment can be lifesaving, and there are a variety of options available, including surgery, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. Biomarkers such as the Oncotype DX Genomic Prostate Score and phi may be useful in guiding treatment decisions. Men should also be proactive about their prostate health and seek medical attention if they experience any concerning symptoms. With continued research and advances in screening and treatment, the outlook for prostate cancer patients continues to improve, and there are over 3.1 million survivors of prostate cancer in the United States.
Menu