Prostate Cancer Treatment
Malignant prostate tumors, such as prostate cancer, can spread to nearby organs like the rectum and bladder. When the abnormal growth is removed, prostate cancer can be cured, but it can recur. Prostate cancer can be life-threatening if it spreads beyond the prostate.
Having a family history of prostate cancer increases the risk of developing the disease. This risk is greater if a first-degree relative has been diagnosed—the more first-degree relatives who have had prostate cancer, the higher the risk of developing it.
The severity of prostate cancer also depends on the age of the relative at diagnosis. If a relative is diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65, the likelihood of developing prostate cancer is higher than if the relative was diagnosed at an older age.
• Transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate: It begins in the cells that line the urethra and usually originates in the bladder, spreading to the prostate.
• Squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate: It arises from the surface cells that cover the prostate and grows and spreads faster than adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
• Small cell prostate cancer: It is sometimes classified as a type of neuroendocrine cancer. It is characterized by rapid growth and aggressiveness.
• Difficulty starting urine flow.
• Frequent urination (especially at night).
• Difficulty fully emptying the bladder.
• Weak or interrupted urine flow (stop-and-start).
• Physical examination and medical history: A body check to assess overall health signs. The patient's health habits, past illnesses, and treatments are also reviewed.
• Digital rectal examination: Palpation of the prostate through the rectal wall to check for lumps or abnormal areas.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: This test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood, a substance produced by the prostate that can be found at higher-than-normal levels in men with prostate cancer. PSA levels may also be elevated in men with prostate infection, inflammation, or benign prostatic hyperplasia.
• PSMA PET scan: This is an advanced imaging procedure performed at the leading institution in Iraq for cancer treatment. It is used to help locate prostate cancer cells that have spread beyond the prostate to the bones, lymph nodes, or other organs. In this procedure, a molecule is injected that binds to a protein present on the surface of prostate cancer cells. Therefore, the PET scan reveals the location of prostate cancer cells in the body. The PSMA material is prepared at the Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI) using raw materials from Germany. This substance helps detect prostate tumors through the PET scan.
• Transrectal ultrasound: This procedure involves inserting a probe into the rectum to examine the prostate. The probe uses high-energy sound waves that bounce off tissues or internal organs to create echoes. These echoes produce detailed images of the prostate.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate: This procedure uses a strong magnet, radio waves, and a computer to create detailed images of the prostate and nearby tissues. MRI of the prostate is performed to determine if cancer has spread beyond the prostate to surrounding tissues.
Sometimes, the biopsy is performed using a tissue sample that was removed during transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. If cancer is found, its grade will be determined. The grade of cancer describes how abnormal the cancer cells appear under the microscope and how quickly the growth is likely to grow and spread.
• CT scan: This procedure involves creating detailed images of areas inside the body, captured from different angles. The images are taken by a computer connected to an X-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help organs or tissues appear more clearly. This procedure is also known as computed tomography (CT) scan or spiral incisive CT.
• Pelvic lymph node dissection: A surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes in the pelvis for examination under a microscope for cancer cells.
• Seminal vesicle biopsy: Removal of fluid from the seminal vesicles (the glands that produce seminal fluid) using a needle, to examine the fluid under a microscope for cancer cells.
• Radioactive scan: A procedure to check for cancer that has spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, such as lymph nodes or bones. A radioactive substance is injected into a vein to travel through the bloodstream. The radiotracer binds to prostate cancer cells and is detected by a scanner. The radiotracer appears as a bright spot on the image in areas with a high concentration of prostate cancer cells.
• Cancer spreads from where it started by entering the lymphatic system, traveling through the lymph vessels to other body parts.
• Cancer spreads from where it started by entering the bloodstream and traveling through the blood vessels to other body parts.
Stage one:
Cancer is located only in the prostate. It cannot be felt during a digital rectal examination and is found through a needle biopsy.
Stage two:
The cancer is more advanced than in stage one, but it has not spread outside the prostate. Stage two is divided into stages IIA, IIB, and IIC.
Stage three:
Cancer spreads from the prostate to the seminal vesicles or nearby tissues or organs, such as the rectum, bladder, or pelvic wall. Stage three is divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC.
Stage four:
Cancer extends to nearby lymph nodes, and stage four is divided into stages IVA and IVB.
• Stage of cancer.
• Patient's age.
• First-time cancer or recurrent cancer.
• Presence of other health issues.
• Expected side effects of treatment.
• Previous treatment for prostate cancer.
• Patient's preferences.
In active surveillance, patients are monitored with specific tests to check for cancer growth. When cancer begins to grow, treatment is initiated to address the cancer.
Active surveillance is typically followed for older men who have no signs or symptoms or who have other medical conditions, as well as for men whose prostate cancer was detected during screening tests.
• Radical prostatectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the prostate, surrounding tissues, seminal vesicles, and nearby lymph nodes. The main types of radical prostatectomy include:
o The open radical prostatectomy: An incision is made in the lower abdomen or the area between the anus and the scrotum.
o The laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: A procedure involves making several small incisions in the abdominal wall and inserting a laparoscope (a thin tube-like instrument with a light and lens for viewing) through one of the openings to guide the surgery. Surgical instruments are inserted through the other openings to perform the procedure.
• Lymph node dissection in the pelvis: A surgical procedure to remove the lymph nodes in the pelvic area, and the tissue is examined under a microscope for cancer cells. If the lymph nodes contain cancer, the doctor may not remove the prostate and may recommend other treatments.
• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): This surgical procedure involves removing tissue from the prostate using a resectoscope (a thin, illuminated tube equipped with a cutting instrument) inserted through the urethra. This procedure is performed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and is sometimes done to alleviate symptoms caused by a tumor before administering other cancer treatments. TURP can also be performed on men whose tumors are confined to the prostate and who are not candidates for radical prostatectomy.
In some cases, the nerves that control penile erection can be preserved through nerve-sparing surgery. However, this may not be possible for men with large tumors or tumors that are very close to the nerves.
• Urinary incontinence or bowel leakage.
• Penile shortening (by 1 to 2 cm).
• Inguinal hernia (protrusion of fat or a portion of the small intestine through weak muscles in the groin). Inguinal hernias may occur more often in men who have undergone radical prostatectomy than in those who have had other types of prostate surgery, radiation therapy, or prostate biopsy alone. They are most likely to develop during the first two years after radical prostatectomy.
Radiation treatment for prostate cancer uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to destroy the genetic material in cancer cells, thereby preventing their growth. The method of radiation therapy depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. There are different types of radiation therapy:
• External beam radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to deliver radiation to the area of the body affected by cancer.
• Internal radiation therapy, also known as brachytherapy, uses a sealed radioactive material, such as cobalt (Co-60), in needles, wires, or catheters placed directly within or near the cancer. In the early stages of prostate cancer, radioactive seeds are implanted in the prostate using needles inserted through the skin between the scrotum and the rectum. The placement of the radioactive seeds in the prostate is guided by images obtained from transrectal ultrasound or computed tomography (CT). The needles are removed after the radioactive seeds have been placed in the prostate.
• Decreased libido.
• Erectile dysfunction in men.
• Hot flashes.
• Bone density loss.
• Bone fractures.
• Loss of muscle mass and physical strength.
• Changes in blood lipid profile levels.
• Insulin resistance.
• Weight gain.
• Mood swings.
• Fatigue and exhaustion.
• Gynecomastia.
Targeted therapies typically cause less harm to normal cells compared to chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
Cryotherapy uses a device to freeze and destroy prostate cancer cells. Ultrasound is used to locate the area to be treated. Cryosurgery can cause erectile dysfunction and leakage of urine from the bladder or feces from the rectum.
Many men who undergo surgical treatment for prostate cancer (radical prostatectomy) live their lives without recurrence of the disease. However, 20% to 40% of them will experience an increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels within 10 years of the surgery. PSA should be undetectable in the blood if the prostate has been removed, so elevated levels indicate a potential return of cancer. This is typically treated by administering radiation to the prostate bed, the area where the prostate was located before its removal, and this often successfully brings PSA levels back to zero for years.
1- The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen, a substance produced by the prostate. The normal PSA level changes with age. Various prostate issues can cause elevated levels of PSA, including cancer. Sometimes, individuals with prostate cancer may have PSA levels that are not higher than normal. Therefore, the PSA test cannot diagnose cancer; it only indicates the possibility of a prostate issue.
2- A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a physical examination of the prostate through the rectum to check for lumps or any other unusual findings.
• If there is an average risk for prostate cancer, the patient should consider getting tested starting at age 50.
• If there is a high risk and have a family history of prostate cancer, the patient should consider getting tested starting at age 45.
Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and nutrients believed to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Additionally, eating more fruits and vegetables helps promote a feeling of fullness, which can decrease the consumption of other foods, such as those high in fat.
If you maintain a healthy weight, try to keep it by exercising most days and choosing a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables.
Finally, we would like to highlight the role of Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI) in assisting many cases of prostate cancer. Within this esteemed institution, supported by the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine, patients will meet with the best doctors for prostate cancer treatment in Iraq.
The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system that produces a fluid that forms part of the semen. The prostate gland is located just below the bladder and is approximately the size of a walnut, surrounding part of the urethra (the tube that drains urine from the bladder).
Is prostate cancer dangerous?
Cancer is the result of abnormal cell growth, which makes it difficult for the body to function as it should. Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells form and grow in the prostate gland. Not all cases of abnormal growth, also called tumors, are cancerous (malignant); some tumors are non-cancerous (benign).Prostate tumors in men:
Benign prostate tumors, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), are not life-threatening and do not spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body. After these growths are removed, they may slowly grow back, but they do not often recur.Malignant prostate tumors, such as prostate cancer, can spread to nearby organs like the rectum and bladder. When the abnormal growth is removed, prostate cancer can be cured, but it can recur. Prostate cancer can be life-threatening if it spreads beyond the prostate.
The difference between prostatitis and prostate cancer:
Prostate cancer and prostatitis are two conditions that can affect the prostate and may present similar symptoms. However, the two conditions are different; prostatitis refers to painful inflammation of the prostate and surrounding area, while prostate cancer occurs when cancerous cells develop in the prostate.The difference between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer:
Both benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer affect the prostate gland, which enlarges. Benign prostatic hyperplasia means that it is not cancer and cannot spread. In contrast, prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the body.Causes of prostate cancer in men:
The risk of developing prostate cancer increases as men age. The likelihood of being diagnosed with prostate cancer is higher after the age of fifty. Prostate cancer is often diagnosed in men in their sixties.Having a family history of prostate cancer increases the risk of developing the disease. This risk is greater if a first-degree relative has been diagnosed—the more first-degree relatives who have had prostate cancer, the higher the risk of developing it.
The severity of prostate cancer also depends on the age of the relative at diagnosis. If a relative is diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65, the likelihood of developing prostate cancer is higher than if the relative was diagnosed at an older age.
Types of Prostate Cancer:
• Adenocarcinoma of the prostate: It develops in the gland cells that line the prostate and its ducts. This type is considered the most common form of prostate cancer.• Transitional cell carcinoma of the prostate: It begins in the cells that line the urethra and usually originates in the bladder, spreading to the prostate.
• Squamous cell carcinoma of the prostate: It arises from the surface cells that cover the prostate and grows and spreads faster than adenocarcinoma of the prostate.
• Small cell prostate cancer: It is sometimes classified as a type of neuroendocrine cancer. It is characterized by rapid growth and aggressiveness.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer in men?
The symptoms of malignant prostate cancer vary depending on the progression of the disease. Signs of malignant prostate cancer vary, with early prostate symptoms including poor urine flow or frequent urination. The symptoms of prostate cancer in young men are like those of prostate cancer in older men. These signs and symptoms may be caused by prostate cancer or other conditions. Therefore, consultation should be sought in the following cases:• Difficulty starting urine flow.
• Frequent urination (especially at night).
• Difficulty fully emptying the bladder.
• Weak or interrupted urine flow (stop-and-start).
Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer:
Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer include the previously mentioned symptoms, along with persistent pain in the back, hips, or pelvis. Additionally, late-stage prostate cancer may present with shortness of breath, severe fatigue, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or pale skin due to anemia.Other conditions may cause the same symptoms:
As men age, the prostate may enlarge and obstruct the urethra or bladder, causing difficulty urinating or sexual problems. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Although it is not cancer, surgery may be needed. Symptoms of BPH or other prostate issues can be like those of prostate cancer.Prostate examinations:
At the Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI), prostate tests are conducted by some of the most skilled prostate cancer specialists in Iraq. Among the most important of these examinations are:• Physical examination and medical history: A body check to assess overall health signs. The patient's health habits, past illnesses, and treatments are also reviewed.
• Digital rectal examination: Palpation of the prostate through the rectal wall to check for lumps or abnormal areas.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: This test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood, a substance produced by the prostate that can be found at higher-than-normal levels in men with prostate cancer. PSA levels may also be elevated in men with prostate infection, inflammation, or benign prostatic hyperplasia.
• PSMA PET scan: This is an advanced imaging procedure performed at the leading institution in Iraq for cancer treatment. It is used to help locate prostate cancer cells that have spread beyond the prostate to the bones, lymph nodes, or other organs. In this procedure, a molecule is injected that binds to a protein present on the surface of prostate cancer cells. Therefore, the PET scan reveals the location of prostate cancer cells in the body. The PSMA material is prepared at the Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI) using raw materials from Germany. This substance helps detect prostate tumors through the PET scan.
• Transrectal ultrasound: This procedure involves inserting a probe into the rectum to examine the prostate. The probe uses high-energy sound waves that bounce off tissues or internal organs to create echoes. These echoes produce detailed images of the prostate.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the prostate: This procedure uses a strong magnet, radio waves, and a computer to create detailed images of the prostate and nearby tissues. MRI of the prostate is performed to determine if cancer has spread beyond the prostate to surrounding tissues.
Biopsy procedure to diagnose prostate cancer and determine the grade of the cancer:
A sample is taken from the prostate to diagnose prostate cancer. A transrectal biopsy involves removing tissue from the prostate by inserting a thin needle through the rectum into the prostate. This procedure can be guided using transrectal ultrasound or MRI to assist in locating the tissue sampling sites. The tissue is then examined under a microscope to look for cancer cells.Sometimes, the biopsy is performed using a tissue sample that was removed during transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. If cancer is found, its grade will be determined. The grade of cancer describes how abnormal the cancer cells appear under the microscope and how quickly the growth is likely to grow and spread.
How to determine the stages of prostate cancer:
After diagnosing prostate cancer, the Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI), the leading cancer treatment hospital in Iraq, conducts tests to determine if cancer cells have spread within the prostate or to other parts of the body. This is done to establish the stage of the disease. Knowing the stage is crucial for planning treatment. The results of the tests used to diagnose prostate cancer are often also used to determine the stage of the disease, along with the following examinations:• CT scan: This procedure involves creating detailed images of areas inside the body, captured from different angles. The images are taken by a computer connected to an X-ray machine. A dye may be injected into a vein or swallowed to help organs or tissues appear more clearly. This procedure is also known as computed tomography (CT) scan or spiral incisive CT.
• Pelvic lymph node dissection: A surgical procedure to remove lymph nodes in the pelvis for examination under a microscope for cancer cells.
• Seminal vesicle biopsy: Removal of fluid from the seminal vesicles (the glands that produce seminal fluid) using a needle, to examine the fluid under a microscope for cancer cells.
• Radioactive scan: A procedure to check for cancer that has spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, such as lymph nodes or bones. A radioactive substance is injected into a vein to travel through the bloodstream. The radiotracer binds to prostate cancer cells and is detected by a scanner. The radiotracer appears as a bright spot on the image in areas with a high concentration of prostate cancer cells.
There are three ways cancer spreads in the body:
• The cancer spreads from where it begins growing to nearby areas through the tissues.• Cancer spreads from where it started by entering the lymphatic system, traveling through the lymph vessels to other body parts.
• Cancer spreads from where it started by entering the bloodstream and traveling through the blood vessels to other body parts.
What are the stages of prostate cancer?
The stages of prostate cancer are determined based on the extent of cancer spread:Stage one:
Cancer is located only in the prostate. It cannot be felt during a digital rectal examination and is found through a needle biopsy.
Stage two:
The cancer is more advanced than in stage one, but it has not spread outside the prostate. Stage two is divided into stages IIA, IIB, and IIC.
Stage three:
Cancer spreads from the prostate to the seminal vesicles or nearby tissues or organs, such as the rectum, bladder, or pelvic wall. Stage three is divided into stages IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC.
Stage four:
Cancer extends to nearby lymph nodes, and stage four is divided into stages IVA and IVB.
Is it possible to cure prostate cancer in Iraq?
Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI) offers the latest prostate cancer treatments after studying each case within the leading cancer treatment institution in Iraq. Certain factors influence the chance of recovery and treatment options, including the following:• Stage of cancer.
• Patient's age.
• First-time cancer or recurrent cancer.
• Presence of other health issues.
• Expected side effects of treatment.
• Previous treatment for prostate cancer.
• Patient's preferences.
1- Active surveillance:
Active surveillance involves closely monitoring the patient's condition without administering treatment until signs or symptoms appear or change. Treatment is provided to alleviate symptoms and manage their severity.In active surveillance, patients are monitored with specific tests to check for cancer growth. When cancer begins to grow, treatment is initiated to address the cancer.
Active surveillance is typically followed for older men who have no signs or symptoms or who have other medical conditions, as well as for men whose prostate cancer was detected during screening tests.
2- Surgical treatment for prostate cancer:
Patients in good health with tumors located only in the prostate can be treated with surgery to remove the growth. The following types of surgery are used:• Radical prostatectomy: A surgical procedure to remove the prostate, surrounding tissues, seminal vesicles, and nearby lymph nodes. The main types of radical prostatectomy include:
o The open radical prostatectomy: An incision is made in the lower abdomen or the area between the anus and the scrotum.
o The laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: A procedure involves making several small incisions in the abdominal wall and inserting a laparoscope (a thin tube-like instrument with a light and lens for viewing) through one of the openings to guide the surgery. Surgical instruments are inserted through the other openings to perform the procedure.
• Lymph node dissection in the pelvis: A surgical procedure to remove the lymph nodes in the pelvic area, and the tissue is examined under a microscope for cancer cells. If the lymph nodes contain cancer, the doctor may not remove the prostate and may recommend other treatments.
• Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP): This surgical procedure involves removing tissue from the prostate using a resectoscope (a thin, illuminated tube equipped with a cutting instrument) inserted through the urethra. This procedure is performed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia and is sometimes done to alleviate symptoms caused by a tumor before administering other cancer treatments. TURP can also be performed on men whose tumors are confined to the prostate and who are not candidates for radical prostatectomy.
In some cases, the nerves that control penile erection can be preserved through nerve-sparing surgery. However, this may not be possible for men with large tumors or tumors that are very close to the nerves.
Side effects of surgical treatment for prostate cancer:
• Erectile dysfunction.• Urinary incontinence or bowel leakage.
• Penile shortening (by 1 to 2 cm).
• Inguinal hernia (protrusion of fat or a portion of the small intestine through weak muscles in the groin). Inguinal hernias may occur more often in men who have undergone radical prostatectomy than in those who have had other types of prostate surgery, radiation therapy, or prostate biopsy alone. They are most likely to develop during the first two years after radical prostatectomy.
3- Radiation therapy for prostate cancer:
Radiation treatment for prostate cancer uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to destroy the genetic material in cancer cells, thereby preventing their growth. The method of radiation therapy depends on the type and stage of the cancer being treated. There are different types of radiation therapy:• External beam radiation therapy uses a machine outside the body to deliver radiation to the area of the body affected by cancer.
• Internal radiation therapy, also known as brachytherapy, uses a sealed radioactive material, such as cobalt (Co-60), in needles, wires, or catheters placed directly within or near the cancer. In the early stages of prostate cancer, radioactive seeds are implanted in the prostate using needles inserted through the skin between the scrotum and the rectum. The placement of the radioactive seeds in the prostate is guided by images obtained from transrectal ultrasound or computed tomography (CT). The needles are removed after the radioactive seeds have been placed in the prostate.
Side effects of radiation therapy for prostate cancer:
The side effects of radiation therapy for prostate cancer include an increased risk of developing bladder cancer and/or gastrointestinal cancer. Radiation therapy can also cause erectile dysfunction and urinary problems, which may worsen with age.4- Hormonal therapy for prostate cancer:
In prostate cancer, male sex hormones can promote the growth of prostate cancer. Medications used to treat prostate cancer work to lower testosterone levels, while surgery or injections of other hormones are used to reduce the amount of male hormones or prevent them from functioning. This is known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).Side effects of hormonal therapy for prostate cancer:
The side effects of hormonal treatment for prostate cancer may occur because androgens affect many other organs besides the prostate, including the following:• Decreased libido.
• Erectile dysfunction in men.
• Hot flashes.
• Bone density loss.
• Bone fractures.
• Loss of muscle mass and physical strength.
• Changes in blood lipid profile levels.
• Insulin resistance.
• Weight gain.
• Mood swings.
• Fatigue and exhaustion.
• Gynecomastia.
5- Chemotherapy for prostate cancer:
Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or preventing them from dividing. When chemotherapy is taken orally or injected into a vein or muscle, the drugs enter the bloodstream to reach the cancer cells.6- Targeted therapy with radioactive lutetium PSMA:
The Nuclear Medicine Department at Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI) in Iraq offers the latest treatment for prostate cancer for patients with metastatic and hormone, radiation, and chemotherapy-resistant prostate cancer. This treatment involves lutetium therapy, where the radioactive material is prepared and equipped by expert staff specialized in cancer treatments in Iraq. The therapy relies on selective imaging guidance of the tumor and its metastases.Targeted therapies typically cause less harm to normal cells compared to chemotherapy or radiation therapy.
7- Cryoablation therapy:
Cryotherapy uses a device to freeze and destroy prostate cancer cells. Ultrasound is used to locate the area to be treated. Cryosurgery can cause erectile dysfunction and leakage of urine from the bladder or feces from the rectum.8- Treatment with Thermal Ablation Device (Microwave):
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a treatment that uses ultrasound waves to destroy cancer cells. For prostate cancer treatment, a transrectal probe is used to emit sound waves.Follow-up Tests for Prostate Cancer:
Prostate tests performed to diagnose cancer or determine its stage may be repeated. Some tests are repeated to assess the effectiveness of treatment. Decisions regarding whether to continue, change, or stop treatment may depend on the results of these tests. Some tests will continue to be conducted periodically after treatment has ended. The results of these tests can indicate whether the cancer has returned.Elevated PSA Levels After Prostatectomy:
The patient undergoes the first PSA test for follow-up one to three months after surgery. Then, the PSA test is performed once every 6 to 12 months for approximately five years. In cases with a high likelihood of cancer recurrence, the patient may need testing every three months. If PSA levels remain normal, PSA tests can be done annually.Many men who undergo surgical treatment for prostate cancer (radical prostatectomy) live their lives without recurrence of the disease. However, 20% to 40% of them will experience an increase in prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels within 10 years of the surgery. PSA should be undetectable in the blood if the prostate has been removed, so elevated levels indicate a potential return of cancer. This is typically treated by administering radiation to the prostate bed, the area where the prostate was located before its removal, and this often successfully brings PSA levels back to zero for years.
Early Detection of Prostate Cancer:
When prostate cancer is detected, treatment becomes easier. There are two tests available to help detect prostate cancer early. Using both tests together is more effective than using either one alone:1- The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen, a substance produced by the prostate. The normal PSA level changes with age. Various prostate issues can cause elevated levels of PSA, including cancer. Sometimes, individuals with prostate cancer may have PSA levels that are not higher than normal. Therefore, the PSA test cannot diagnose cancer; it only indicates the possibility of a prostate issue.
2- A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a physical examination of the prostate through the rectum to check for lumps or any other unusual findings.
• If there is an average risk for prostate cancer, the patient should consider getting tested starting at age 50.
• If there is a high risk and have a family history of prostate cancer, the patient should consider getting tested starting at age 45.
Prevention of Prostate Cancer:
There is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer. However, the risk of developing prostate cancer can be reduced by making healthy choices, such as exercising and following a healthy diet. In general, doctors recommend that men at average risk for prostate cancer should follow the following:Choosing a Healthy Diet:
Reducing the fat consumed daily has other proven benefits, such as aiding in weight management. To lower daily fat intake, individuals can decrease the consumption of fatty foods or choose lower-fat options. For example, reducing the amount of fat added to foods during cooking, opting for leaner cuts of meat, and selecting low-fat or fat-free dairy products can be effective strategies.Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins and nutrients believed to reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Additionally, eating more fruits and vegetables helps promote a feeling of fullness, which can decrease the consumption of other foods, such as those high in fat.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight:
Men who are obese, with a body mass index (BMI) over 30, may be at increased risk of developing prostate cancer. If you are overweight or obese, try to lose weight by reducing the number of calories you consume daily and increasing your level of physical activity.If you maintain a healthy weight, try to keep it by exercising most days and choosing a healthy diet that includes fruits and vegetables.
Finally, we would like to highlight the role of Warith International Cancer Institute (WICI) in assisting many cases of prostate cancer. Within this esteemed institution, supported by the Imam Hussain Holy Shrine, patients will meet with the best doctors for prostate cancer treatment in Iraq.