The Treatment Options Available for Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers afflicting men. Usually, this cancer is found in older men, but with changing lifestyles and dietary habits, even men under the age of 60 can develop it. Ensuring early diagnosis and proper treatment are crucial for positive outcomes.

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Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

While researchers has still don’t know the reason for prostate cancer, they have been able to identify certain risk factors.

 

• Age: Prostate cancer is more common in men aged 50 and more. The American Cancer Society states 6 in 10 prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men who are more than 65 years of age.
• Ethnicity: African-Americans and men of African ancestry are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. However, of late Asian men are being diagnosed with prostate cancer and researcher feel this is due to adoption of western lifestyle, lack of physical activity and obesity.
• Family History: Prostate cancer appears to run in families. This indicates there could be a genetic link to it. If your brother is diagnosed with prostate cancer, you are at a higher risk of developing it.
• Dietary Habits: Men who consume high-fat dairy products and/or red meat have a higher chance of prostate cancer.
• Lifestyle Habits: Researchers have found obesity and smoking are linked to higher prostate cancer risk.

 

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer Treatment in India

It is important you go for an annual examination to catch the cancer early. At the same time, it is imperative you also keep an eye out for the following symptoms:

 

• A need to urinate frequently, particularly at night
• A weak urinary system
• Presence of blood in the semen or urine

 

If you notice these symptoms, don’t wait. Consult a doctor immediately. While prostate cancer is a slow-growing cancer, effective treatment depends on catching the disease early and ensuring proper treatment.

 

Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer

If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer treatment in India, don’t panic. There are many different treatment options available. Speak to your oncologist about the options and he will tell you the one that is best suited for you. The treatment plan is formulated based on the stage of the cancer.

 

Some of the treatment options are as follows:

 

• Observation and Monitoring: In certain cases, there is no requirement for immediate prostate cancer treatment. Usually, this happens when the tumor is benign, but is also used for malignant prostate cancer that has not spread as yet. This approach also is used when the patient has other health conditions, which could worsen with prostate cancer treatment. Using a watch-and-wait approach, doctors monitor the health of the patient. Typically, this involves going for regular blood tests and rectal examinations. The patient may also have to undergo periodic biopsies.
• Radiation Therapy: In case oncologists find the cancer is spreading, a more aggressive approach is adopted. One of them is radiation therapy wherein radiation is used to kill cancer cells. There are different types of radiation therapy. One involves directing an external beam at the pelvic region to eliminate cancer cells. The other, known as brachytherapy, involves implanting radioactive materials in the prostate cancer to kill the cancer cells.
• Hormone Therapy: In this therapy, steps are taken to stop the natural production of testosterone in the body. Prostate cancer cells require testosterone to thrive and multiply and by ensuring they don’t get testosterone, it can help slow the progress of the cancer. Typically, hormone therapy is used in advanced cases. However, oncologists are not averse to using it in the early stages of prostate cancer to prep the body for radiation therapy.
• Surgery: Sometimes, oncologists believe surgically removing the prostate and surrounding tissue is the best possible way to ensure a positive outcome. Although a highly invasive, there are number of ways that this surgery is performed.

 

All treatment options for prostate cancer have their own advantages and disadvantages. The oncologist chooses a treatment when the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. The oncologist’s first aim is to ensure the patient’s health, wellbeing and longevity. So, after taking all the factors into consideration, he decides which treatment would benefit the patient the most.

 

When it comes to prostate cancer, it is best not to take chances. You should make it a point to go for prostate checkup once a year. This can be in the form of blood test wherein your blood is tested for prostate specific antigen (PSA) or digital rectal examination. Most cancer care clinics are well-equipped with the state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment tools and equipment. Hence, these cancer care clinics can offer the best possible prostate cancer treatments to patients.

MedwayIndia is most trusted medical assistance company and treatment resource in India for patients across the globe seeking affordable and advanced prostate cancer treatment in India at Best Hospitals undercare of India’s most experienced and renowned Urologist and Prostate Surgeon  in India.