Inherited Gene Changes and Prostate Cancer
The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown. But, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS), we do know that about 5 percent to 10
Prostate Cancer Symptoms for Patients in NJ, CT, MD, and the Washington, D.C., Area
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in American men, according to the American Cancer Society. Like other cancers, prostate cancer often does not present warning signs in its early stages, but several signs and symptoms can signal the disease in its more advanced stages. Men of all ages and their loved ones should be aware of the various symptoms of prostate cancer, as early detection provides patients the best opportunity for successful treatment.
The team of board-certified medical oncologists at Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA) specializes in treating patients with many types of cancer, including prostate cancer. With extensive experience in providing the latest therapies for prostate cancer, our oncologists treat patients in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area. Find out more about prostate cancer symptoms and early detection at Regional Cancer Care Associates.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland mutate and start to grow out of control. The prostate gland is found only in males. As part of the male reproductive system, one of its functions is to produce some of the fluid that makes up semen.
Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is not just a concern for Americans. Worldwide, an estimated 1,414,259 people were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020. It is the fourth most diagnosed cancer in the world. Researchers still are unsure about what causes cancer to develop in the prostate, making prevention difficult. However, there are some known risk factors for the disease.
Age
A person’s age directly impacts his risk of developing prostate cancer. Older people are much more likely to develop prostate cancer than younger individuals. Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 40.
The chances of developing prostate cancer increase drastically after age 50. About 6 in 10 cases of prostate cancer are found in men older than 65. As people age, the importance of regular screenings increases. Patients can take preventative action by having early detection screenings as recommended by their doctor.
Genetic Factors and Family History
Evidence suggests that family history and genetic factors affect the likelihood of a person developing prostate cancer. The risk of developing the disease increases significantly if a person’s father or brother has been diagnosed. Another cause for concern is if a relative was diagnosed at a young age. Such an early diagnosis could suggest the disease is genetic. People who have a family history of prostate cancer should go for regular screenings starting at age 45.
A small percentage of prostate cancer cases is linked to inherited gene changes. For instance, people who have Lynch syndrome or inherited mutations of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are at higher risk. Individuals who fall within this group should seek regular screenings.
Possible risk factors for prostate cancer include:
- Diet (including consuming a high amount of red meat or high-fat dairy products)
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis)
- Certain sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea or chlamydia
- Vasectomy
Common Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Many patients with early-stage prostate cancer display no symptoms and may have no related health concerns. In general, patients will not notice signs of prostate cancer until the disease advances. Common symptoms of prostate cancer include:
Urinary Symptoms
One of the most common signs of prostate cancer is changes in bathroom habits. Because of where the prostate is located in the body, as the tumor grows, it can press against the bladder and urethra. This often results in changes in urination or defecation. Depending on the tumor’s size and location, patients may experience the following:
- Frequent urination, especially sudden urges at night
- A slow, interrupted, or inconsistent stream of urine
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Burning, stinging or other pain during urination
- Blood in urine
- Rectal pain or pressure
- Changes in bowel movements
- The need to empty the bladder by straining or pushing
Sexual Symptoms
Prostate cancer can impact a person’s ability to engage in sexual activity. New-onset erectile dysfunction could indicate a more serious underlying issue, such as prostate cancer. The prostate gland plays a role in producing semen, and when cancer cells begin to spread, the normal sexual function of the penis can be compromised. Other sexual symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- Painful ejaculation
- Bloody semen or seminal fluid
- Less fluid ejaculated than usual
Pain and Discomfort
With advanced prostate cancer, men may experience symptoms in other areas of the body.
When prostate cancer metastasizes — meaning spreads beyond the prostate organ — men can experience pain and neurological symptoms, such as numbness or weakness in the limbs. Bone is the most common site of prostate cancer metastases, and men can feel pain in their pelvis, hips, spine or other locations where metastases have developed in the bone. Fractures also can result when metastases compromise bone strength. Meanwhile, numbness and weakness can result from metastases compressing nerves. People with advanced prostate cancer also can experience significant fatigue and unexpected weight loss.
Recommendations for Prostate Cancer Screening
Many of the symptoms that may represent prostate cancer also are hallmarks of other common, less-serious conditions. For example, frequent urination or a slow urine stream often indicate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that can occur as men get older. Erectile dysfunction can arise from vascular or psychological conditions, as well as from prostate cancer. So these symptoms are not cause for panic, but they are reason to consult a physician promptly to determine their origin and the best approach to managing them.
Because of this overlap in symptoms, routine cancer screenings are imperative. To ensure that these symptoms don’t signal the presence of prostate cancer, regular prostate cancer screenings are necessary to alert doctors to any new signs or symptoms.
For people at average risk of developing prostate cancer, the discussion about screening should take place at age 50. For those at elevated risk due to a family history of the disease or other factor, discussions about screening should take place at age 45. For anyone with more than one first-degree relative who had prostate cancer at an early age, discussions of prostate cancer screening should begin at age 40. If screenings result in a diagnosis of prostate cancer, patients can reach out to RCCA for a second opinion or a treatment plan.
Find Outstanding Prostate Cancer Care at RCCA
Patients who have recently been diagnosed with prostate cancer can receive the medical attention they need at Regional Cancer Care Associates.
Serving individuals in New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and the Washington, D.C., area, our team of board-certified medical oncologists offers patients personalized treatments that reflect the nature and stage of their cancer, their overall health, and other factors. To schedule an appointment with a medical oncologist at one of more than 20 RCCA locations, contact Regional Cancer Care Associates today.
Fight Prostate Cancer with RCCA
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, the expertise you need can be found at Regional Cancer Care Associates. Your treatment plan will entail the latest and most advanced treatment methods and techniques available. For more information, contact one of our locations or call our headquarters at 844-346-7222.
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