Prostate Cancer – The Basics

 

Professor Nikhil Vasdev, Consultant Urological and Robotic Surgeon 

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate Cancer develops when cells in the prostate start growing in an uncontrolled manner. Some prostate cancers grow very slowly to cause issues over a long period of time, but some may grow very quickly and spread.

 

How common is prostate Cancer?

In the UK, 1 in 8 men will get prostate cancer. The condition affects men above 50 and increases as men get older. The risk is now confirmed to be higher in black men and those who have a family history of prostate cancer.

 

What are the signs and symptoms?

Prostate cancer when contained inside the prostate may cause no symptoms. In clinical practice, this type is called localised prostate cancer or early prostate cancer. As a specialist, our aim is to diagnose this type of cancer to allow treatment with the intention to cure.

Symptoms with waterworks in men are commonly associated with non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. This condition is benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH).

 

Can prostate cancer be prevented?

Being overweight may increase the risk of being diagnosed with more aggressive prostate cancer or advanced disease.

 

How can you be checked for prostate cancer?

The initial test is a blood test called Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and an examination of the prostate by your GP. Your GP will help you to understand more about prostate cancer and its risks.

Upon receiving a referral with the information of the PSA and prostate examination (if performed),  an MRI of the prostate and then a biopsy of the prostate is needed. In some patients, a CT scan and bone scan may also be requested.

 

What are the options for the treatment of prostate cancer?

Currently, numerous treatment options are available, but this depends as to whether the prostate cancer is localised, or advanced. Treatment options include active monitoring, Robotic surgery, focal therapy, Radiotherapy and clinical trials.

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Professor Nikhil Vasdev