• Published on: Sep 10, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Are The Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment Of Prostate Cancer?

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

What are the symptoms, causes, and treatment of Prostate cancer?

The different types of prostate cancer are generally classified by grade, degree of progression and staging. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, hormone therapy to suppress testosterone production or blocking the activity of hormones produced by other endocrine glands that stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Surgical treatment is often recommended when prostate tumors are detected in their early stages-localized stage-as it can usually eliminate them or control tumor growth, so they don't depend on hormones to survive. Surgery may also be recommended if the tumor cannot be seen clearly enough for an accurate diagnosis with imaging tests. Your physician may advise you about this option after discussing your medical history and physical examination results with you.

Symptoms of prostate cancer can be like the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. After noticing these or other symptoms, a doctor will perform a digital examination and ask some general health questions. Possible tests may include an analysis of the fluid secreted by the prostate gland when urinating (known as a "prostate-specific" antigen test), a biopsy, an MRI or CT scan imaging exam, or bone scans to rule out metastasis. Treatment may consist of certain medications that slow down tumor growth including finasteride and others; radiation therapy; surgery with prostatectomy to remove the bladder neck and sectioning/removal of all remaining tissue from within the urinary tract to prevent further spread beyond.

Prostate cancer has no signs or symptoms, so the only prevention is to get screened.

More information to include in the answer: There are several different types of prostate cancer that can be detected with a prostate exam. Some require surgery while others do not. Once diagnosed, treatment for these cancers often focuses on palliative care measures to relieve pain and other bothersome symptoms because prostate tumors rarely spread beyond the confines of this gland; they are considered localized or regional tumors. Treatment for advanced cancers may involve hormone therapy (antiandrogens) or chemotherapy (taxanes like docetaxel).

The symptoms of prostate cancer are also nonspecific and might include a change in frequency or volume of urine flow. An in-depth medical exam often determines the diagnosis, but anxieties in men over forty should be assuaged by getting a PSA test when appropriate. The causes sometimes arise from general conditions common from age 40 on which drive prostate cancer up from 1 out of 100 for people under 40 to 1 out of 4 for people over 80 - such as obesity, diabetes, elevated blood level cholesterol, family history and so forth. It's extra important to look after what we eat and how we live if we have one or more of these conditions already present.

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. It is particularly more prevalent in elderly men. Over time, prostate cells may develop genetic damage that can lead to uncontrolled, or out-of-control cell growth. The most frequent cause of prostate cancer is age>40 years and obesity (>120% ideal body weight). Treatment for early-stage prostate cancers include surgery, radiation therapy and hormone therapy drugs.

Risk factors for prostate cancer are advanced age, being overweight or obese, family history of the disease or personal history of other cancers that have affected the gland near the prostate (eg., bladder), heavy consumption of alcohol (>2 drinks/day), sedentary lifestyle involving long periods without exercise (<1>

The symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty urinating, prolonged or too frequent urination, blood in the urine or semen, pain when passing urine or ejaculating, erectile dysfunction. Possible causes include heredity and dietary factors. Treatments can involve surgery to remove the prostate gland in some cases. Options for this might include nerve-sparing robotic surgery when available.

  • Symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty emptying the bladder, few or interrupted urination, pain during urination and bowel movement, excessive thin urine (pee), bloody urine or semen.
  • Causes of prostate cancer are close to zero chance of contracting it until you reach your 40's. If you had an older family history that involved prostate cancer, then there is a slightly elevated risk.
  • Medical treatment involves surgery to remove the entire gland or radical surgery where both testicles are removed as well as tissue all around the area called the para urethral region, including some muscle tissue on either side called "the peri spongiosum". This medical procedure may cure tumor not otherwise reachable with surgery.

Most of the symptoms are just a part of an enlarged prostate. The treatment is largely based on the type and stage, so for this answer, I will simply mention recurrences- which can happen in an estimated 5% to 20% of people after being treated. Late-stage cancers have been observed to reach points where they have not been observed to grow or spread but have still appeared to persist. As with any cancer, my suggestion would be that you go see your doctor best suited for your needs if you are concerned about any possible symptoms involving your prostate.

Prostate cancer is the third most common male malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. It primarily arises from glandular epithelium primarily by way of the prostate ducts and invades nearly every other organ system including bone, lymph nodes and blood vessels.

Symptoms may include hematuria (blood in urine), prostatitis (difficulty urinating), and erectile dysfunction; while risk factors that contribute to getting prostate cancer or who can be diagnosed include age (>50 years old); race (African American); family history of prostate cancer; sexually transmitted diseases such as human papilloma virus or chlamydia infection; diet with high intake of red meat, animal fat, dairy products.

Symptoms of prostate cancer may include difficulty urinating, pain or burning during urination, blood in the urine or semen, frequent trips to the bathroom at night (nocturia) and trouble starting a steady flow of urine. Causes of prostate cancer are related to genetic factors as well as environmental exposure to substances such as pesticides or components in processed foods.

Treatment for Prostate cancer varies depending on its severity. For example, if the tumor is small and is not growing fast it may be watched carefully with regular testing until it grows large enough to produce symptoms like difficulty urinating.

Read Blog
Inflammation

How Inflammation Affects Overall Health: Understanding the Hidden Risks

Inflammation is often misunderstood. While it is a vital protective response of the immune system, persistent or chronic inflammation can quietly damage tissues and increase the risk of serious diseases. Understanding how inflammation affects overall health is crucial in preventing long-term complications and maintaining optimal wellbeing.

According to the World Health Organization and global medical research published in Lancet, chronic inflammation is linked to a wide range of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and autoimmune disorders.

 

What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to:

  • infection

  • injury

  • toxins

  • stress

It activates immune cells to eliminate harmful stimuli and promote healing.

There are two main types:

Acute Inflammation

Short-term and protective.
Examples include swelling after injury or fever during infection.

Chronic Inflammation

Long-term, low-grade inflammation that persists even without injury.

Chronic inflammation is harmful.

 

How Chronic Inflammation Develops

Persistent inflammation can result from:

  • unhealthy diet

  • sedentary lifestyle

  • obesity

  • chronic stress

  • environmental toxins

  • untreated infections

Modern lifestyle patterns contribute significantly to this condition.

 

Impact on Heart Health

Inflammation damages blood vessels and promotes plaque formation.

This increases risk of:

  • heart attack

  • stroke

  • hypertension

ICMR data highlights cardiovascular disease as a leading cause of death in India, with inflammation playing a contributing role.

 

Link Between Inflammation and Diabetes

Chronic inflammation interferes with insulin signalling.

This leads to:

  • insulin resistance

  • elevated blood sugar

  • metabolic syndrome

NFHS-5 data shows rising diabetes prevalence, partly linked to inflammatory lifestyle factors.

 

Effect on Joint and Muscle Health

Inflammatory processes contribute to:

  • arthritis

  • joint stiffness

  • muscle pain

Autoimmune diseases often involve chronic inflammation.

 

Gut Health and Inflammation

The gut plays a central role in immune regulation.

Poor diet and stress disrupt gut balance, triggering:

  • inflammatory bowel conditions

  • digestive discomfort

  • nutrient malabsorption

Gut inflammation impacts systemic health.

 

Brain Health and Inflammation

Emerging research suggests chronic inflammation affects:

  • memory

  • mood

  • cognitive performance

Inflammatory markers are associated with depression and neurodegenerative disorders.

 

Chronic Fatigue and Inflammatory Stress

Persistent inflammation causes:

  • ongoing fatigue

  • reduced stamina

  • sleep disturbances

The immune system remains in constant activation mode.

 

Role in Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.

Chronic inflammation is central to conditions such as:

  • rheumatoid arthritis

  • lupus

  • inflammatory bowel disease

 

Signs of Chronic Inflammation

Symptoms may include:

  • unexplained fatigue

  • persistent joint pain

  • digestive issues

  • frequent infections

  • skin problems

Early detection is important.

 

Lifestyle Factors That Increase Inflammation

High Sugar Intake

Excess sugar promotes inflammatory pathways.

 

Processed Foods

Trans fats and additives trigger immune responses.

 

Sedentary Lifestyle

Lack of exercise reduces anti-inflammatory benefits.

 

Poor Sleep

Sleep deprivation increases inflammatory markers.

 

Chronic Stress

Elevated cortisol disrupts immune balance.

 

Natural Ways to Reduce Inflammation

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Include:

  • leafy greens

  • fruits rich in antioxidants

  • nuts and seeds

  • whole grains

Avoid excessive processed foods.

 

Regular Physical Activity

Exercise lowers inflammatory markers and improves circulation.

 

Stress Management

Meditation and breathing exercises reduce stress hormones.

 

Adequate Sleep

7–8 hours of quality sleep supports immune regulation.

 

Maintain Healthy Weight

Excess abdominal fat produces inflammatory chemicals.

 

Role of Preventive Health Screening

Regular tests such as:

  • blood sugar

  • lipid profile

  • inflammatory markers

help monitor risk factors early.

 

Importance of Early Intervention

Unchecked inflammation increases risk of:

  • cardiovascular disease

  • metabolic disorders

  • organ damage

Timely lifestyle changes reverse early inflammatory effects.

 

Long-Term Health Benefits of Inflammation Control

Reducing inflammation supports:

  • heart health

  • stable blood sugar

  • improved immunity

  • enhanced cognitive function

  • reduced pain

Preventive strategies protect long-term wellbeing.

 

Conclusion

Understanding how inflammation affects overall health reveals its profound impact on the heart, brain, gut and metabolic systems. While acute inflammation protects the body, chronic inflammation silently contributes to major diseases. Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, quality sleep and stress management significantly reduce inflammatory burden. Prevention and early monitoring remain the most effective tools for protecting overall health and ensuring long-term vitality.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Chronic Disease and Inflammation Reports

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health Studies

  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Diabetes and Hypertension Data

  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare Strategy Reports

  • Lancet – Inflammation and Chronic Disease Research

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic