1 in 8 men gets diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.
Age, race/ethnicity, and other variables may affect a man’s risk of prostate cancer. Older men, for instance, have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
Although it is very troubling, the good thing about it is that if caught early, prostate cancer is 100% treatable (especially if caught early).
There are a handful of treatment options available, meaning you have choices regarding how to treat your condition.
In this guide, we’ll provide information on the treatments and offer advice on which we think is the best.
DISCLAIMER: The information in this article is for general information purposes only and should not be used as professional medical advice. For personalised recommendations or concerns about prostate cancer, contact a medical professional!
What is Prostate Cancer, and How Does It Develop?
Cancer that develops in the prostate is known as prostate cancer. The seminal fluid is produced by the prostate, a little gland in men that resembles a walnut.
One of the most prevalent forms of cancer is prostate cancer. Prostate tumours are localised and slow-growing to the prostate gland, where they may not do much damage.
On the other hand, aggressive forms of prostate cancer may spread swiftly, whilst slow-growing varieties may need little or no therapy at all.
Early detection of prostate cancer, while it is still limited to the prostate gland, is critical for effective therapy.
Best Treatment For Prostate Cancer
If you have a confirmed diagnosis of prostate cancer and you are not a medical professional, before anything, you must contact a medical professional in your area.
You’ll often find the best treatment for prostate cancer is the one suggested by a medical doctor whom you trust!
That being said, here are the most common treatments for cancer.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is often used to treat advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. Chemotherapy kills prostate cancer cells by using anti-cancer medications.
The medications are transported via the bloodstream throughout the body. Docetaxel is the most often used kind of chemotherapy for prostate cancer.
For metastatic prostate cancer, chemotherapy may be able to remove the disease altogether. However, it can enhance your quality of life and aid in managing the disease.
Side effects of Chemotherapy
- Hair thinning
- Appetite decline
- Mouth sores
- Diarrhoea
- An increased risk of infections as a result of insufficient white blood cells
- Vomiting and nausea
- Superficial bleeding or bruising (due to insufficient blood platelets)
- Fatigue (resulting from a low red blood cell count)
In any case, chemotherapy remains the most effective treatment for many cancers today.
Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy)
Another viral treatment is surgery, which includes the removal of the prostate gland and much of the surrounding tissue.
Eliminating all prostate cancer is the aim of a radical prostatectomy. RP is employed when it is thought that the tumour is limited to the prostate gland.
The prostate gland and some surrounding tissue, including seminal vesicles, are removed during the treatment.
The two sacs that link to the vas deferens, a tube that passes through the testicles, and secrete semen are known as the seminal vesicles.
Hormone Therapy
A likely lesser-known treatment for prostate cancer is hormone therapy. The growth of prostate cancer is often dependent on the hormone testosterone.
The body’s testosterone levels are blocked or decreased by hormone treatment. When combined with other therapies, this may reduce the chance of prostate cancer returning.
Hormone treatment comes in a variety of forms. This includes oral medications, injections, and testicular excision surgery (orchidectomy).
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy is a successful treatment that uses high-intensity rays or particles to attack prostate cancer cells.
There are several techniques to administer the radiation, such as external beam radiation, which projects the radiation through the skin, and brachytherapy, which uses seeds implanted in the patient’s body.
Prostate cancer patients who receive radiation treatment are best treated by highly qualified radiation oncologists who operate in prominent centres of excellence.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer can be challenging, but there’s hope. With a range of treatments, from chemotherapy to surgery, each patient can find an approach that best suits their needs.
The key to success is early detection, which significantly enhances treatment effectiveness. Always consult with trusted healthcare professionals to tailor a plan for you.
As we progress in research and treatment methods, there’s ever-growing hope for those affected by this condition.