Prostate Cancer

📋 Overview

The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid. Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control. It is the second most common cancer in men worldwide.

Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas (originating from glandular cells). They can range from slow-growing tumors that may never cause symptoms to aggressive cancers that spread quickly to other organs. Early detection through PSA screening dramatically improves prognosis.

Dr. Karamvir Yadav at MDCC, Alwar offers complete prostate cancer management — from PSA testing and biopsy to radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and supportive care.

🔍 Symptoms to Watch For

• Frequent urination — especially at night (nocturia)
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Burning or pain during urination
• Blood in urine (hematuria) or semen
• Painful ejaculation
• Discomfort or pain in the pelvic area
• Bone pain — especially in the back, hips, or pelvis (if spread)
• Unexplained weight loss and fatigue (advanced disease)
• Erectile dysfunction (can be related in some cases)

⚠️ Causes & Risk Factors

• Age — risk rises sharply after 50; most common in men over 65
• Family history — father or brother with prostate cancer doubles risk
• BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations — increase risk of aggressive prostate cancer
• Ethnicity — higher incidence in men of African descent
• Diet high in red meat and high-fat dairy products
• Obesity — linked to more aggressive forms of prostate cancer
• Sedentary lifestyle and lack of physical activity
• Hormonal factors — high levels of testosterone may fuel growth

📊 Types & Stages

💊 Treatment Options

🩺 Diagnosis Methods

• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test — key screening tool
• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) — physician feels the prostate for irregularities
• Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS) — imaging of the prostate gland
• MRI of prostate (mpMRI) — detailed imaging to detect and stage cancer
• Prostate biopsy — tissue samples confirm cancer; Gleason grading performed
• Bone scan — detects if cancer has spread to bones
• PET-CT scan with PSMA tracer — sensitive detection of metastatic disease
• Genomic testing (Oncotype DX, Prolaris) — helps guide treatment decisions

✅ Prevention Tips

• Annual PSA test for men above 50 (above 40 if high risk)
• Maintain healthy weight — obesity linked to aggressive prostate cancer
• Eat a plant-rich diet — fruits, vegetables, legumes
• Limit red meat and high-fat dairy consumption
• Exercise regularly — shown to reduce prostate cancer risk
• Discuss PSA screening with your doctor if you have a family history
• Avoid smoking — linked to increased risk of fatal prostate cancer