Prostate cancer is a highly prevalent type of cancer in men, with an estimated 191,930 new cases diagnosed in the United States in 2020 alone. While it is the second most common type of cancer in men, it is also highly treatable if detected early.
Early symptoms:
- Urinary frequency and difficulty urinating: feeling the need to urinate frequently, especially at night, may experience difficulty urinating, slow urine flow, or urine splitting during urination.
- Hematuria: urine appears pink or light red, which may be due to damage to the urethra or bladder caused by prostate cancer.
- Urinary tract pain or burning sensation: may experience pain or burning sensation in the urethra during urination, which may be a symptom of prostate cancer.
- Ejaculation issues: may experience pain or discomfort during ejaculation, semen may contain blood or appear abnormal in color.
- Lower back pain: pain in the lower back or pelvic area may occur when bone metastases develop, which is typically a symptom of advanced prostate cancer.
Self-examination methods:
- Digital rectal examination (DRE): a doctor examines the size, shape, and texture of the prostate gland by inserting a finger into the rectum. This examination is usually performed at a medical facility.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: PSA levels are measured in the blood, with elevated levels possibly indicating the presence of prostate cancer. This test can be performed at hospitals or clinics.
Preventive measures:
- Healthy diet: consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats while reducing the intake of red and processed meats can help lower the risk of prostate cancer.
- Moderate exercise: engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming, can improve overall health and reduce the incidence of prostate cancer.
- Smoking cessation and alcohol moderation: quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
- Regular check-ups and screening: men should undergo regular check-ups and consider prostate cancer screening based on their doctor’s recommendations, especially men over 50 years of age or those with a family history of the disease.
- Maintaining a healthy weight: obesity and overweight are associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, so maintaining a healthy weight is essential for prevention.
Treatment options:
- Surgery: radical prostatectomy may be considered for early-stage prostate cancer, where the cancerous prostate tissue is surgically removed.
- Radiation therapy: high-energy X-rays or other radiation therapies are used to kill cancer cells or prevent their growth.
- Chemotherapy: drugs are used to kill or prevent the growth of cancer cells.
- Hormone therapy: altering hormone levels in the body to suppress or slow the growth of cancer cells.
- Watchful waiting: for early-stage or low-risk prostate cancer, watchful waiting may be an option, where the cancer is closely monitored without immediate treatment.
In the United States, there are many renowned medical institutions that provide prostate cancer treatment services, some of which are known for their excellent expertise and advanced treatment technologies. Here are the top five U.S. medical institutions with the highest cure rates for treating prostate cancer:
- Mayo Clinic: Located in Minnesota, the Mayo Clinic is one of the world’s renowned medical institutions, known for its advanced technology and multidisciplinary medical teams, providing comprehensive prostate cancer treatment plans for patients.
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Located in New York City, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is a leading cancer treatment center with world-class medical experts and advanced treatment facilities, offering personalized prostate cancer treatment plans.
- Johns Hopkins Hospital: Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland, is a prestigious medical institution with a specialized team and advanced treatment techniques in the field of prostate cancer.
- Cleveland Clinic: Located in Cleveland, Ohio, the Cleveland Clinic is a comprehensive medical center with internationally renowned prostate cancer specialists and advanced treatment facilities.
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute: Located in Boston, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a world-class cancer treatment center with outstanding medical teams and advanced treatment technologies, with extensive experience in treating prostate cancer.
By understanding the early symptoms of prostate cancer, regularly performing self-examinations and medical check-ups, and adopting a healthy lifestyle, the risk of developing prostate cancer can be reduced, and early detection and treatment can be promoted. Different treatment options can be chosen based on the individual’s condition and medical needs.