Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, affecting millions of men worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) makes various recommendations to raise awareness about prostate cancer and emphasize the importance of early diagnosis. This article will provide detailed information about the symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis methods and precautions to be taken.
Prostate cancer is caused by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the prostate gland. It usually progresses slowly and shows no obvious symptoms in the early stages. However, as the disease progresses, symptoms such as difficulty urinating, frequent urination, blood in the urine, erectile dysfunction and pelvic pain may occur. Although these symptoms do not always indicate prostate cancer, it is important to consult a specialist if you have any symptoms.
Risk factors include age, family history, genetic factors and lifestyle. The risk of prostate cancer increases with age; it is more common in men over the age of 50. Men with a family history of prostate cancer are at higher risk of developing the disease. Genetic mutations can also increase the risk of prostate cancer. Especially men with BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations have a higher risk. In addition, lifestyle factors such as obesity, poor eating habits and smoking can also increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Early detection is vital for prostate cancer. WHO recommends that all men from the age of 50 should have regular prostate cancer screening. For men with a family history or other risk factors, this age can be lowered to 40. The main methods used to screen for prostate cancer include the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test and rectal examination. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in the blood and high levels of PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer. A rectal examination allows the doctor to physically check the prostate gland.
Once diagnosed, the stage and spread of the disease is assessed. Imaging methods such as biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) are used at this stage. These methods are important to determine whether the cancer has spread outside the prostate and metastasized to lymph nodes or other organs.
Treatment options for prostate cancer depend on the stage of the disease, the patient’s general health and personal preferences. Early-stage prostate cancer is usually treated with surgery or radiotherapy. Radical prostatectomy is the complete removal of the prostate gland and is usually performed for localized cancers. Radiotherapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells. In advanced prostate cancer, hormone therapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy are used. Hormone therapy slows the growth of cancer cells by lowering testosterone levels. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Immunotherapy aims to fight cancer by strengthening the body’s immune system.
A healthy lifestyle is very important in preventing prostate cancer. WHO recommends a balanced diet, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding harmful habits such as smoking. Antioxidant-rich vegetables and fruits, fish containing omega-3 fatty acids and whole grains can contribute to prostate health. In addition, regular medical check-ups and screening tests are critical for early detection and successful treatment.
In conclusion, prostate cancer is a common disease in men and can lead to serious health problems if not detected early. Following WHO recommendations, having regular screening tests, adopting healthy lifestyle habits and reducing risk factors play a major role in the prevention and early detection of prostate cancer. Thanks to these measures, men can take more effective and conscious steps in the fight against prostate cancer.
