Prostate cancer is a significant health concern, particularly among ageing men. In males, prostate carcinoma has become the most common cancer. Also, the 2nd most common cause of cancer death in men.

1. Prevention

a. Diet and Lifestyle: No proven studies to prevent prostate cancer yet, adopting a healthy lifestyle may reduce the risk. But abstinence from smoking helps. This includes maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight.

b. Dietary Supplements: The SELECT trial showed dietary supplements like vitamin E and selenium may reduce the risk of prostate cancer, but the evidence is inconclusive.

c. Screening: The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE) are used for screening for CA prostate. All males above 60 years can undergo screening every 1-2 years.

2. Diagnosis

a. Screening: Elevated PSA levels or abnormalities found during a DRE may indicate the need for further evaluation.

b. Biopsy: If screening suggests the possibility of prostate cancer, a RUS-guided prostate biopsy will be done. Histopathological evaluation plays a major role in the diagnosis and management of prostatic lesions.

c. Imaging: Advanced imaging techniques like MPMRI can be used to identify the extent of disease. To rule out metastatic lesions, PSMA PET CT is used which dictates the treatment.

3. Treatment

a. Active Surveillance: In cases of low-risk prostate cancer, especially among older men, active surveillance may be recommended. This involves regular monitoring of the cancer's progression without immediate treatment.

b. Surgery: Robotic Radical prostatectomy is the surgical procedure of choice where the entire prostate gland is removed. It's a common treatment for localized prostate cancer.

c. Radiation Therapy: This includes external beam radiation and brachytherapy or Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy. It uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells.

d. Hormone Therapy: Prostate cancer depends on male hormones (androgens) to grow. Hormone therapy aims to reduce the levels of these hormones or block their effects on cancer cells. It is used in Metastatic CA prostate. Bilateral orchidectomy is one kind of hormonal treatment.

e. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be recommended for Hormone therapy resistant Metastatic Ca prostate.

f. Immunotherapy: Some newer treatments, like immunotherapy, work by stimulating the body's immune system to attack cancer cells.

Treatment decisions depend on various factors, including the stage of cancer, the patient's age and overall health, and their personal preferences. Individuals diagnosed with prostate cancer need to work closely with their healthcare team to develop a personalized treatment plan that suits their needs and circumstances.

Regular follow-up care is also crucial after treatment to monitor for any signs of recurrence or side effects from treatment. Prostate cancer treatment has come a long way, and many men with the disease can lead healthy, fulfilling lives with proper management and care.

Breaking all the taboos on this topic, we need to make this conversation and narrative as part of the mainstream. All elderly men in the family must be conscious, open and aware to consult and properly diagnose as well as need to screen themselves for prostate-related complications.

Though there are no definite reasons for prostate cancer, we will have to live a healthy lifestyle and proper diet to counter any form of complications which could affect the prostate.

Only through public awareness initiatives and frequent connections with people explaining and highlighting such sensitive topics, we can find solutions to combat Prostate cancer-related complications.

Consulting a urologist for any urological or prostate issue must be an easy-to-approach format for people.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are of the author and not of Medical Dialogues. The Editorial/Content team of Medical Dialogues has not contributed to the writing/editing/packaging of this article.