Prostate develops cancer when healthy cells change and grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. A tumor can be malignant or benign. A cancerous tumor is malignant, meaning it can grow and spread to other parts of the body. A benign tumor means the tumor can grow but will not spread. 

It is mostly found in older men and in most cases, it’s found before it has spread to other parts of the body. Cancer that hasn’t spread tends to be easier to treat. When compared to other types of cancer, prostate cancer is somewhat unusual. This is because many prostate cancers do not spread to other parts of the body quickly.

According to the National Cancer Institute of the United States, it is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in American men, following only skin cancer. 

What happens to your body when you have prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is caused by an abnormal proliferation of cells in the prostate gland. This abnormal cell development might extend to the bone or lymph nodes if the malignancy is advanced.

Prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the body if it is untreated and allowed to grow. It may spread outside of the prostate and into nearby tissues, such as the bladder or colon, over time. Cancer that has progressed outside of the prostate might also spread to neighboring lymph nodes. The spread will affect the overall immune system of the body. When prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body, it usually starts with the bones. It has the potential to spread to other organs such as the lungs, liver, and brain.

 

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

In most cases, no symptoms appear until it is relatively advanced. Men may experience urinary symptoms such as a blockage in the flow of urine or blood in their urine or sperm as the disease progresses. Bone pain is frequent in the later stages. Most men, however, will not know they have it unless they are tested.

What does the screening consist of?

A prostate-specific antigen blood test (PSA) and a digital rectal examination (DRE) are commonly used in prostate cancer screening. If either test is abnormal, a prostate biopsy is performed to acquire a small sample of prostate tissue for further examination.

People have been diagnosed using PSA and DRE in past years, but a newer diagnostic alternative is prostate MRI, which has been seen to improve the quality diagnosis by identifying tumors that are likely to be aggressive and cause harm.

How is prostate cancer treated?

Your prostate cancer treatment options are determined by a number of criteria, including the rate at which it is developing, whether it has spread, and your overall health, as well as the treatment’s possible benefits and adverse effects. There are 5 different solutions for the treatment of prostate cancer.

1. Radiation Treatment

The strategic use of ionizing radiation or photons to kill cancer cells is known as radiation therapy. It acts by damaging the DNA of the cancerous cells (the genetic blueprint of the cancer cell). The cells that are targeted die without growing or multiplying. Radiation can be transmitted, in many ways, including brachytherapy (in which seeds are implanted in the patient’s body) or via external beam radiation that projects the energy through the skin.

Radiation treatment for prostate cancer can best be delivered by experienced radiation oncologists working in high-volume centers of excellence. 

2. Surgery

Usually, early-stage Prostate cancer that has not spread to distant sites such as bones and lymph nodes is treated with surgery. The goal of surgery in this scenario is to remove the cancer-affected part of the body. The most common operation for this disease is a radical prostatectomy, which involves removing the entire prostate gland. Surgery may also be required for the treatment of aggressive or metastatic prostate cancer as part of a multimodal approach.

In some cases, a patient may require more than one surgical procedure. Your doctor will help you choose the best form of prostate cancer surgery for your condition.

3. Hormone Therapy

Androgen suppression therapy is another name for hormone therapy. Androgens or male hormones promote the growth of prostate cancer cells. The goal then is to lower or halt the production of male hormones, known as androgens, from fuelling the growth of prostate cancer cells in the body. Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone are the two most important androgens in the body (DHT). The testicles produce the majority of androgens, but the adrenal glands (glands located above the kidneys) and prostate cancer can also produce a significant amount of these hormones.

Although hormone therapy is most commonly used to treat individuals with advanced prostate cancer, it is now increasingly being used to treat people with localized forms of the disease. It can be administered before or after radiation – to help decrease the tumor, or it can be used in conjunction with radiation if the risk of recurrence is high. Because hormone therapy alone does not cure prostate cancer, it is usually administered in conjunction with other treatments.

4. Immunotherapy For Prostate Cancer

Immunotherapy is when a person’s immune system is stimulated to recognize and destroy cancer cells more efficiently. Prostate cancer can be treated with certain types of immunotherapy. This treatment is only available in certain centers, and you should consult with your doctor to see if it is appropriate for your condition. 

5. Chemotherapy For Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is sometimes treated with chemotherapy. It’s mostly used to treat tumors that are aggressive o r advanced prostate cancer that hasn’t responded well to other treatments. Chemotherapy is not a conventional treatment for early prostate cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. It’s most commonly used to treat aggressive cancer that has spread beyond the prostate. Most men with advanced prostate cancer are prescribed androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or anti-hormone therapy in addition to chemotherapy. 

Prostate Cancer Active Surveillance: What is it?

This is a protocol that excludes the use of medicines, radiation, and surgery. Tests are performed on a regular basis to look for indicators that the cancer is spreading. During active surveillance, no cancer therapy is given if the tests show that the tumor is no longer life-threatening or has a minimal chance of spreading or worsening. Active Surveillance is not a “no-treatment” protocol, but rather a plan to treat you only if and when your cancer requires it (some think of it as a deferred treatment). 

What do you need to know about precision medicines for prostate cancer?

Precision medicine uses modern diagnostic tools to treat the right patient with the right treatment at the right time based on the genetic makeup of their cancer. Precision medicine is designed to eliminate the need for the drugs to undergo trial and error one day. Consider it to be something like taking a fingerprint of your cancer. Because each cancer has a unique fingerprint, it requires a treatment that is tailored to it. Custom-created treatments have the potential to be effective with zero guesswork once that degree of identification is possible.

Prostate cancer that’s detected early when it’s still confined to the prostate gland has the best chance for successful treatment. Early detection is key to better outcomes. You should seek medical attention if you experience any persistent or abnormal symptoms.

 

*Data retrieved from Prostate Cancer Statistics, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

 

 

 

Fight Prostate Cancer with These 5 Exercises

 

How does exercise help prostate cancer patients?

Let us first understand how exercise helps a person with prostate cancer. Exercise lowers the risk of diabetes and obesity while enhancing bone density and heart health. It can also lower blood sugar levels, reducing insulin levels and inflammatory markers. This is significant because inflammation, insulin levels, and the risk of prostate cancer are related.

Another key advantage is that exercise helps reduce the side effects of prostate cancer treatments like androgen restriction therapy (ADT). Loss of muscle, rise in body fat, and osteoporosis are all potential side effects of ADT. Exercise can also lessen tension, worry, and depression that men with prostate cancer frequently experience.

Key benefits of exercise during and after prostate cancer treatment:

• Reduces anxiety and fatigue
• Boosts confidence
• Increases optimism levels
• Improves heart health
• Helps maintain healthy weight
• Enhances muscular endurance and strength

Precautions before starting an exercise routine  

It is important for any patient to be cautious and consult their provider before beginning an exercise program. Specific side effects from prostate cancer and its therapies may require a customized fitness regimen. Stop exercising and speak with a doctor if the patient experiences any of the side effects listed below.

Fatigue: Intense exercise can be more difficult when one is physically weak after treatment. Keep an eye on the energy levels and adjust the workouts as necessary.

Osteoporosis: Ask the doctor what weight-bearing exercises may be performed by the patient to safely strengthen the bones if diagnosed with osteoporosis.

Bone tumors: An increased risk of fracture results from the spread of cancer cells, or metastasis, to the bone. Practice exercises that lower the risk of falling.

Heart problems: Start the fitness routine under physician supervision if the patient has weak heart muscles or an irregular heartbeat.

Five Exercises for Prostate Cancer Patients

Aerobic exercise 

Aerobic exercises strengthen your heart and lungs. Walking is an ideal aerobic exercise for prostate cancer patients. Because often prostate cancer therapy has side effects, walking at a comfortable pace for 90 minutes a week can help reduce fatigue, depression, and body weight.

Kegel exercises 

Men who are receiving treatment for prostate cancer should pay close attention to maintaining strong pelvic floors to minimize side effects and enhance sexual and urine function. Here’s a guide on how to perform Kegel exercises that can help address the issue.

Stretching exercises 

Stretching or range-of-motion (ROM) activities, sometimes referred to as flexibility exercises, lengthen muscles and tendons. They enhance or preserve joints’ and muscles’ flexibility. As we age, our joints and muscles become less flexible naturally, but cancer therapies can also reduce flexibility. Regular stretching can prevent any loss of flexibility and aid in overcoming stiffness. Here are a few stretching exercises for cancer patients:

• Shoulder stretches
• Triceps stretches
• Biceps stretches
• Lower back stretches

Balance exercises

Exercises that improve balance help minimize some of the effects of muscular imbalances and body asymmetry following surgery. Chemotherapy frequently has adverse effects like neuropathy, which can cause the feet to become numb. It is challenging to keep your equilibrium if you can’t feel your feet. Balance training should be a regular component of the fitness regimen to make up for lost strength. Standing on one foot, tightrope, calf or heel raises, and grapevines are some of the key balance exercises.

Strength training 

Muscle loss is a common occurrence in patients who are inactive during cancer treatment. Strength training will help reduce body fat while increasing muscle mass and bone density. The exercise can be carried out with weights, bands, machines, or one’s body weight. It can also help fight osteoporosis, and bone weakness that some cancer treatments can cause.

Summing up  

To combat the side effects of prostate cancer treatment and to ensure a quick recovery, consistent exercise is key. However, pay attention to the body. Avoid going beyond limits and reduce exercise if the patient finds it difficult to complete a session.

Encourage patients to perform exercises that they enjoy, rather than strenuously working on ones that make them more tired. Help them listen to the needs of their body and workout accordingly.

 

Dr. Michelle Becker is highly skilled in the comprehensive management of prostate cancer, offering expert care for both active cases and patients in remission. Here’s how she supports her patients:

• Personalized Monitoring: Tailored care plans to closely monitor cancer progression or remission status.
• Proactive Screening: Regular screenings to catch early signs of cancer recurrence.
• Coordination of Specialist Care: Seamless coordination with oncologists for advanced treatment options.
• Access: Patients have direct access to her expertise anytime, ensuring comprehensive, ongoing support.

For more information and to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michelle Becker, please visit DiamondCoveMD.com.