PROSTATE CANCER
What is it?
Prostate cancer is a cancer that leads to increased mortality rates among men globally and has the highest incidences in middle-aged men between the ages of 45 and 60. Prostate cancer is diagnosed using medical diagnostic techniques such as biopsies, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing, digital rectal examination, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [29].
The most prevalent cause of prostate cancer is genetic mutations. Certain genes act as a general predisposition for prostate cancer, known as candidate genes, that have roles in the androgen pathway and metabolism of testosterone. Prostate cancer is a heterogeneous disease with risk factors stemming from familial genetic mutation inheritance, ethnicity, age, obesity, and environmental factors [29].
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Prostate cancer can be classified as either androgen-sensitive or insensitive. This classification is important as it acts as an indicator of testosterone stimulation and the possible treatment options that can be used [29]. Treatment options that are used for this disease include active surveillance, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, surgery, cryotherapy, and androgen deprivation therapy [29]. There is no treatment that fits all prostate cancers across the board, each one has to be treated on a case-by-case scenario. The reason why one treatment is used over another depends on the nature of the tumour, PSA level, grade and stage, and possible recurrence.
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History of Prostate Cancer Treatment
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1904
The first prostatectomy [6]
1983
Modified radical retropubic prostatectomy [6]
1940s
Androgen-ablation therapy [6]
1970s
Brachytherapy [6]
1945
Prostate enucleation [6]
1960s - 1980s
Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists [6]
1900s
2000s
Importance of screening
​​Prostate cancer often has no signs or symptoms and is often discovered by chance through screenings [30]. The good thing is that prostate cancer is slow growing but when signs/symptoms start to occur, it is often at an advanced stage already. This is why ALL men should get screened once they turn 50 years old and high risk patients should get screened between 40-45 years old [30]. Screening is simply done with a blood test for prostate specific antigen (PSA) and a prostate exam. ​​
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​​Early Stage
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Blood in urine or semen [14]
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Frequent or difficulty urinating [14]
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Advanced stage
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Accidental leaking of urine [14]
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Back pain [27]
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Bone pain [14]
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Erectile dysfunction [14]
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Weight loss [14]
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Weakness in arms or legs [14]