the prostate cancer journey
About Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland — a small organ below the bladder that helps produce semen. It mainly affects men over 50, but can occur earlier, especially if there’s a family history.
Most prostate cancers grow slowly, but some can be aggressive. That’s why awareness, timely screening, and early diagnosis are essential for effective treatment.
01.
Symptoms
In its early stages, prostate cancer often shows no symptoms. However, as it develops, men may experience symptoms like difficulty or pain when urinating, frequent urination, especially at night, among other symptoms.
These symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions like prostate enlargement (BPH), but they should never be ignored. Always consult a doctor if you notice any of these signs.
02.
Screening
Screening helps detect prostate cancer before symptoms appear. Common screening tests include a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test, and a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE).
Discuss your risk and the right screening schedule with your healthcare provider.
03.
Diagnosis
Early-stage prostate cancer is usually confined to the gland and can often be treated successfully.
If screening results suggest a problem, further tests are done which may include imaging scans, biopsy and staging tests.
04.
Treatments
Remember: early detection saves lives — most men diagnosed early go on to live full, healthy lives.
If you or a loved one are diagnosed with prostate cancer, talk openly with your doctor about treatment options, which may include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or active surveillance (monitoring).
