Prostate Cancer (cont.)
Can prostate cancer be prevented?
No specific measures are known to
prevent the development of prostate cancer. At present, therefore, we can hope
only to prevent progression of the cancer by making early diagnoses and then
attempting to cure the disease. Early diagnoses can be made by screening men
for prostate cancer. Screening is done, as mentioned previously, by routine
yearly digital rectal examinations beginning at age 40 and the addition of an
annual PSA test beginning at age 50. The purpose of the screening is to detect
early, tiny, or even microscopic cancers that are confined to the prostate
gland. Early treatment of these malignancies (cancers) can stop the growth,
prevent the spread, and possibly cure the cancer.
Based on some research in animals and people, certain
dietary measures have been suggested to prevent the progression of prostate
cancer. For example, low fat diets, particularly avoiding red meats, have been
suggested because they are thought to slow down the growth of prostate tumors in
a manner not yet known. Soybean products, which work by decreasing the amount
of testosterone circulating in the blood, also reportedly can inhibit the
growth of prostate tumors. Finally, other studies show that tomato products
(lycopenes), the mineral selenium, and vitamin E might slow the growth of
prostate tumors in ways that are not yet understood.
What will be the future treatments for prostate cancer?
The treatment of organ-confined prostate cancer to date
has involved cutting out, radiating, or freezing the gland in trying to cure
the disease. In more advanced cases, the goal has been to control the cancer
for at least some time by using hormonal treatment or chemotherapy. Earlier
diagnosis and improved treatment techniques in recent years have certainly led
to better results. In addition, other treatments are being sought. For example,
microwave treatment of the prostate is being used for benign prostatic
hypertrophy (enlargement of the prostate, BPH) in a minimally invasive (minimal
cutting or probing), outpatient (outside the hospital) procedure. Studies may
soon begin to evaluate this technique as a treatment for prostate cancer.
The key to curing prostate cancer, however, ultimately
will come from an understanding of the genetic basis of this disease. Genes,
which are chemical compounds located on the chromosomes, determine the characteristics of
individuals. Accordingly, investigators at research centers have focused on
identifying and isolating the gene or genes responsible for prostate cancer.
For example, studies are being conducted in men who have a family history of
prostate cancer to try to uncover the genetic links of the disease. The
investigators ultimately will try to block or modify the offending genes so as
to prevent or alter the disease. Finally, perhaps a vaccine to either prevent
or treat prostate cancer will be developed in the future.
-
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of deaths
from cancer among US men.
-
While the causes of prostate cancer are still unknown,
some risk factors for the disease, such as advancing age and a family history
of prostate cancer, have been identified.
-
Prostate cancer is often initially suspected because of
an abnormal PSA blood test or a hard nodule (lump) felt on the prostate gland
during a routine digital (done with a finger) rectal examination.
-
The digital rectal examination (starting at age 40) and
the PSA blood test (starting at age 50) should be done at yearly intervals to
screen men for prostate cancer.
-
Refinements in the PSA test, including the PSA ratio,
age-specific PSA, and PSA velocity or slope have improved the accuracy of the
test.
-
If one of the screening tests is abnormal, the
diagnosis of prostate cancer should be suspected and a biopsy of the prostate
gland is usually done.
-
The diagnosis of prostate cancer is made when cancerous
prostatic cells are identified in the biopsy tissue under a microscope.
-
In some men, prostate cancer is life threatening, while
in many others, it can exist for many years without causing health problems.
-
The choice of treatment for prostate cancer depends on
the size, aggressiveness, and extent or spread of the tumor, as well as on the
age, general health, and preference of the patient.
-
The many options for treating prostate cancer include
surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal treatment, cryotherapy, chemotherapy,
combinations of some of these treatments, and watchful waiting.
-
Research is underway to identify the genes that cause
prostate cancer.
For further information on prostate cancer, contact your
local branch of The American Cancer Society or call 1-800-ACS2345.
Medically reviewed by Paul Oneill, MD,
Board Certified Oncology
REFERENCES: Kataja VV, Bergh J. ESMO Minimum Clinical Recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and follow-up of prostate cancer. Ann Oncol. 2005;16 Suppl 1:i34-6.
Chang SS, Benson MC, Campbell SC, Crook J, Dreicer R, Evans CP, Hall MC, Higano C, Kelly WK, Sartor O, Smith JA Jr; Society of Urologic Oncology, Shaumberg, Illinois.
Society of Urologic Oncology position statement: redefining the management of hormone-refractory prostate carcinoma.
Cancer. 2005 Jan 1;103(1):11-21.
Loblaw DA, Mendelson DS, Talcott JA, Virgo KS, Somerfield MR, Ben-Josef E, Middleton R, Porterfield H, Sharp SA, Smith TJ, Taplin ME, Vogelzang NJ, Wade JL Jr, Bennett CL, Scher HI; American Society of Clinical Oncology.
American Society of Clinical Oncology recommendations for the initial hormonal management of androgen-sensitive metastatic, recurrent, or progressive prostate cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2004 Jul 15;22(14):2927-41. Epub 2004 Jun 7. Erratum in: J Clin Oncol. 2004 Nov 1;22(21):4435.
Last Editorial Review: 6/4/2007
- goserelin-injection, Zoladex - Consumer information about the medication GOSERELIN - INJECTION (Zoladex), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug GOSERELIN - INJECTION.
- CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography) - CT Scan (Computerized Axial Tomography, CAT scan) is a procedure that assists in diagnosing tumors, fractures, bony structures, and infections in the organs and tissues of the body.
- Prostatitis - Read about prostatitis, a painful infection of the prostate gland. Symptoms include fever, chills, painful urination, lower back pain, pain in the genital area, and frequent urination.
Latest Medical News
Cancer RSS