Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men, but thankfully, patients today have access to a variety of therapies – both traditional and cutting-edge – to accommodate individual needs. If you’re diagnosed with this disease, remember to stay calm and discuss treatment options with your healthcare professional.
Men above the age of 65 have the highest likelihood of developing prostate cancer, although it can occur at any age. Both genetics and environmental factors influence a man’s risk to develop the disease, as does their attention to receiving regular medical care. Other risk factors for prostate cancer can include diet, general health – obesity can contribute – lifestyle, exercise, exposure to chemicals, and hormone levels.
It’s crucial to report signs that could indicate prostate cancer to your doctor as soon as you discover them. These may include problems with urination (inability to pass urine, difficulty starting, urgency, weak flow, burning, or pain). Sexual difficulties, bloody discharges, and pain in the hips or back can also be associated with prostate problems. However, some prostate cancer victims may never notice symptoms, so doctors routinely screen for the condition during physical examinations. To ensure best treatment results, men over 50 should be aware of symptoms and diligent about annual exams.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
If your doctor diagnoses cancer, they will recommend treatment options based on your specific circumstances. There are various prostate cancer treatment options on offer, ranging from aggressive to conservative. Traditional approaches usually start with a watch-and-wait approach for cases where no symptoms have appeared yet. Surgery may be performed in instances where the tumor is detected and can be removed. Surgical procedures can include prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) or cryotherapy (freezing tissues).
Other strategies to treat prostate cancer include radiation and chemotherapy. Current studies show that hormone therapies, immunotherapy (such as Provenge), ultrasound, and nutritional therapies can also help combat the cancer. Boosting the body’s immune system is a goal of any treatment program, which can encompass dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and the use of supplements for prostate cancer.
Provenge (sipuleucel-T) is the only immunotherapy (also known as biological therapy) approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for prostate cancer treatment. It supports the body’s immune system to fight cancer using the body’s natural healing powers. Immunotherapy is a treatment approach in which a patient’s immune system cells are harnessed to target a disease. The concept behind this is that it utilizes the body’s healing powers inherent in immune system cells to battle the cancer.
Provenge therapies are specially prepared for each individual, depending on their immune system’s cells’ condition. Men with minimal symptoms of the disease are the best candidates for this treatment. To be eligible for immunotherapy, patients cannot display cancer spreading to other organs or have undergone chemotherapy within three months. Side effects can include back pain, fever, nausea, or fatigue, but these are usually manageable and do not necessitate stopping the treatment. It’s important to note that immunotherapy treatments are performed under your healthcare team’s direct supervision, and they will monitor the entire procedure.
Partnering with your doctor to identify all the options and select the best course of action is crucial in these days of treatment options. Educate yourself on prostate cancer and its various treatment options to make informed decisions and win the battle against this prevalent disease. Learn more about comprehensive care for prostate cancer and treatment options at the National Cancer Institute and other reputable sources.
