What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled proliferation of prostate gland cells, an important part of the male reproductive system. Over time, these tumors enlarge the prostate gland and can spread to surrounding tissues.
How Common Is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. After the age of 50, the incidence increases and about 40% of 70-year-old men can have prostate cancer. However, in most cases this type of cancer does not significantly affect life.
Who is at High Risk of Prostate Cancer?
The risk of prostate cancer is higher in individuals with a family history of prostate cancer. Older age, a diet high in animal fats and smoking may also increase the risk.
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Hormone therapy is a treatment option used to control the growth of prostate cancer. This treatment slows the growth of cancer cells by targeting the hormone testosterone. Side effects of hormone therapy can include hot flushes, osteoporosis, decreased sexual desire and erectile dysfunction.
Radiation therapy is another option for treating prostate cancer. This treatment uses high-energy beams to destroy cancer cells or control their growth. Side effects of radiation therapy can include burning when urinating, frequent urination, bowel problems and, rarely, narrowing of the urinary tract.
Side effects of prostate cancer surgery may include bleeding and infection risk in the early period. In the long term, urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction may occur. However, most of these side effects can be managed and treated with appropriate treatment methods.
The surgical intervention for the treatment of prostate cancer is called "radical prostatectomy". This surgery must be performed by an experienced surgeon and can be performed by open or closed (laparoscopic) methods. Laparoscopic prostatectomy can provide advantages such as less pain, less bleeding, shorter hospital stay and early recovery.
Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the patient's general health, the stage of the cancer and other factors. In some cases, due to the slow progression of the cancer, follow-up may be preferred instead of treatment. Other treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy and hormone therapy.
The diagnosis of prostate cancer is usually made by taking a prostate biopsy in suspected cases after PSA (prostate-specific antigen) measurement by finger rectal examination and/or blood test. This procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance through the rectum and a sample of prostate tissue is taken and examined.
The risk of prostate cancer is higher in individuals with a family history of prostate cancer. Older age, a diet high in animal fats and smoking may also increase the risk.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. After the age of 50, the incidence increases and about 40% of 70-year-old men can have prostate cancer. However, in most cases this type of cancer does not significantly affect life.
Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor caused by abnormal and uncontrolled proliferation of prostate gland cells, an important part of the male reproductive system. Over time, these tumors enlarge the prostate gland and can spread to surrounding tissues.