Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland, which is a part of the male reproductive system. It is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Prostate cancer typically grows slowly and may not cause symptoms until it has progressed. Regular screening can help detect prostate cancer early when treatment is most effective.

1. PROSTATE
CANCER
U N D E R S T A N D I N G T H E
B A S I C S A N D F A C T S
Dr. Saket Narnoli

2. PROSTATE
CANCER
• Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the
prostate gland, a small gland located just below the
bladder in men. The prostate gland produces a fluid that
nourishes and transports sperm during ejaculation. Age
and family history are known risk factors for prostate
cancer, with men over the age of 50 and men with a
family history of prostate cancer being at higher risk.
• Prostate cancer can be detected with a PSA test, which
measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in
the blood. However, the PSA test is not always accurate,
and elevated PSA levels can be caused by other
conditions besides cancer.

3. TYPES OF PROSTATE
CANCER
• Stage I: The cancer is small, confined to the prostate gland, and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs.
• Stage II: The cancer is still confined to the prostate gland, but is larger and may be more aggressive than in Stage I.
• Stage III: The cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland to nearby tissues or organs, such as the seminal vesicles.
• Stage IV: The cancer has spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, liver, or lungs.

4. PROSTATE CANCER
SYMPTOMS
• Urinary problems: Prostate cancer can cause urinary problems such as a weak or interrupted urine
flow, frequent urination (especially at night), difficulty starting or stopping urination, and the need to
urinate urgently.
• Pain and discomfort: Prostate cancer can cause pain or discomfort in the pelvic area, lower back, or
upper thighs.
• Erectile dysfunction: Prostate cancer can affect a man’s ability to achieve or maintain an erection.
• Other symptoms: In rare cases, advanced prostate cancer symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, and
swelling in the legs or pelvic area.

5. PROSTATE CANCER
CAUSES
• Age: The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, particularly after the age of 50.
• Family history: Having a close relative, such as a father or brother, with prostate cancer increases the
risk.
• Genetic factors: Certain inherited gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, have been associated
with an increased risk of prostate cancer.
• Hormonal imbalances: High levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) may contribute to
the development and growth of prostate cancer.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese has been linked to a higher risk of developing aggressive forms of
prostate cancer.

6. PROSTATE CANCER
TREATMENT
• Active surveillance: For low-risk prostate cancer, active surveillance may be recommended. This involves monitoring the
cancer with regular PSA tests, digital rectal exams, and biopsies, but not treating it right away.
• Surgery: Surgery involves removing the prostate gland and any cancerous tissue surrounding it. Surgery may be
recommended for early-stage prostate cancer or when other treatment options have failed.
• Radiation therapy: This treatment may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as surgery or hormone
therapy.
• Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy is used to block the production of testosterone, which can fuel the growth of prostate
cancer cells. Hormone therapy may be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used for advanced prostate cancer that
has spread to other parts of the body.
• Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses the body’s own immune system to fight cancer cells. This treatment may be used for
advanced prostate cancer.

7. T H A N K Y O U
www.dhanbadurologist.com