Prostate cancer treatment

Prostate cancer is a malignant neoplasm in the prostate gland. It is diagnosed mainly in men aged 55-65 years.

Currently, prostate cancer is one of the most common oncological diseases. According to the World Health Organization, more than 1 million new cases and 300 thousand deaths from it are confirmed in the world every year. In the USA, prostate cancer ranks first among oncological pathologies in men - more than 160 thousand patients annually and 26 thousand deaths. In Ukraine, the prevalence of the disease is lower, but 6.5 thousand new cases are still registered annually.

Prostate cancer develops slowly and does not manifest itself in the early stages. Due to the absence of symptoms, the disease is diagnosed mainly in the late stages, when the tumor increases and causes deterioration of well-being.

Methods and effectiveness of cancer treatment directly depend on the time of diagnosis of the disease. The earlier the tumor is detected, the greater the likelihood of recovery.

The prostate is an exocrine gland located in the lower part of the pelvis in men, below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It consists of glandular and muscular tissues that provide 2 main functions. The first produces substances that make up seminal fluid. The second ensures the release of fluid from the glands during ejaculation and the blocking of the urethra during erection.

When cancer develops, a tumor forms in the peripheral parts of the prostate. Increasing in size, it begins to squeeze the urethra. Because of this, a man has problems urinating. The tumor can also grow into the bladder and rectum, causing bleeding from them. Prostate cancer can metastasize throughout the body.

Many people confuse prostate cancer with adenoma. The latter is a benign disease. During its development, the walls thicken and the prostate increases in size due to an increase in the number of normal cells. In connection with this, in recent years the disease has been called not adenoma, but benign prostatic hyperplasia.

However, although prostate adenoma is a benign disease, it requires treatment under the supervision of a urologist.

The method of cancer treatment depends on the stage of the disease.

For oncological pathologies, the following may be prescribed:

• drug therapy - hormonal drugs are prescribed to slow down the growth and reduce the size of the tumor, as well as symptomatic remedies to improve general well-being;
• chemotherapy - used after the second stage of cancer to block the growth of cancer cells (several cycles are carried out, treatment can take 3-6 months with breaks);
• radiation therapy - involves the effect of ionizing radiation on the tumor (for prostate cancer, brachytherapy is often used - a radioactive drug is injected into the prostate, which affects the tumor for several months);
• surgical treatment - the prostate is removed (the method is the gold standard for tumors that do not extend beyond the organ);
• palliative treatment - relief of symptoms in patients with stage 4 cancer.

The oncologist selects the optimal treatment program for each patient individually. For cancer, not one method is usually used, but a complex. For example, the patient may be prescribed a course of chemotherapy or radiation therapy before and after surgery.

Oxford Medical is a modern medical center with a high-tech oncology department and a surgical hospital. The clinic offers thorough diagnostics and treatment of prostate cancer in accordance with national and international protocols. We have installed new expert-class equipment and employ oncologists and surgeons who are rightfully considered among the best in Kyiv and Ukraine. Specialists have many years of experience and are familiar with all modern methods of treating cancer.

To make an appointment, call our contact center or write to the chat on the website.

To prevent prostate cancer, it is recommended to engage in physical activity and maintain a normal weight, eat a balanced diet - reduce the amount of fatty and meat products, increase the amount of plant foods. It is also advised to give up smoking, drinking alcohol and other bad habits.

Men after 45 years of age are recommended to visit a urologist once a year and take a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA).

Prostate cancer is a fairly common disease among older men, so it is very important to undergo preventive examinations. With early diagnosis, the disease is successfully treated.