Common Myths About Prostate Cancer Treatment
It could be hard to determine when and where you may be screened for prostate cancer. Screening suggestions have gone through considerable changes over the years. People are expected to talk to their doctor about the concerns taken for granted. These days, treatments are rapidly developing. Each day new myths can be heard regarding Prostate Cancer Treatment. Therefore, this topic aims to better clarify a few facts about prostate cancer.
Myth 1:
Does each person have to go through prostate cancer screening?
Fact: Screening for prostate cancer depends on several factors such as health, age, family history of the disease, etc. Hence, it would help if you discussed the pros and cons of screening to identify your specific need.
Myth 2:
Does prostate cancer occur in people of old age?
Fact: As per the reports, it was observed that more than 70% of the cases of prostate cancer are above 65 years of age. However, there are many patients who are around 40 years and 50 years of age. In general, cancer sometimes shows heredity, so the person with prostate cancer in his first-degree relatives is supposed to have a higher risk at a young age.
Myth 3:
Is prostate cancer always associated with urinary symptoms?
Fact: Prostate is a gland that is present in the urinary system of man; therefore, some patients have been diagnosed with it during their assessment of urinary symptoms. While it is not a must that all patients always have urinary symptoms, there are several other factors like pain in bones, swelled feet, pain in the abdomen, and higher prostate-specific antigen levels (PSA).
Myth 4:
Does the patient always need Prostate Cancer Treatment?
Fact: In general, prostate cancer develops slowly. Also, its treatment may have adverse effects on the sexual health of men, like impotence (erectile dysfunction) and incontinence (defect in the bladder so it may leak). Thus, some patients want active surveillance, and others delay the treatment process or go without Prostate Cancer Treatment. Under the active surveillance process, the patient will go through several repeated biopsies, molecular imaging, and other tests to monitor the growth of cancer. The patient can have the treatment at both the initial and aggressive stages.
Myth 4:
Is prostate cancer growth a slow condition?
Fact: It is categorized as a low-grade and high-grade disease. In low-grade conditions, the growth is slow, and as a result, it will take time to spread. While in high-grade condition, it spreads rapidly. Therefore, it is suggested that a urologist must involve a prostate cancer expert for its surgery.
Myth 5:
If it is not in the family history, can the person be diagnosed with this cancer?
Fact: Cancer sometimes shows heredity. However, there is no proof of showing family history always. Also, family history was reported by a small number of prostate cancer patients, while many others do not have any family history. So it is suggested to take your symptoms seriously or your high prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level.
Myth 6:
High prostate-specific antigen (PSA) always indicates prostate cancer.
Fact: The prostate gland produces a small quantity of protein called prostate-specific antigen. PSA helps in the motility of sperm. PSA above average level (4 ng/ml) doesn’t always indicate prostate cancer. However, high levels of PSA can indicate the possibility of prostate cancer. So, it needs a careful consultation and investigation by the urologist. Besides, several factors lead to high PSA levels like swelling on the prostate (acute prostatitis), UTI (urinary tract infection), enlargement of the prostate, etc. Moreover, some rare kinds of prostate cancer do not show high PSA levels. Hence, it is advised that you consult the urologist regarding the high PSA levels.
Myth 7:
Surgery or radiotherapy is the only Prostate Cancer Treatment options?
Fact: Surgery or radiotherapy rapidly control prostate cancer. However, in the case of a low-grade prostate cancer condition, it needs careful observation before any treatment. Also, older adults left with few last years of life expectancy are not given such treatments. Medications will be given to those where it shows metastasis (spread to other body parts) to lungs, liver, bone, lymph nodes, brain, etc. The medications will only control it but not cure it.
Myth 8:
Does sexual activity enhance prostate cancer risk?
Fact: Sexual activity does not increase the risk of having prostate cancer in men. However, many reports found that the person who has a high frequency or number of ejaculations per month is at a lower risk of developing prostate cancer.
Myth 9:
Prostate cancer can be due to benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).
Fact: BPE is related to prostate cancer, but it does not enhance the risk of prostate cancer. However, it was observed that most men might develop this BPE condition due to age and subsequent urinary symptoms ailments.
Conclusion
If you develop any symptoms of prostate cancer, you should immediately consult a doctor for its best possible treatment. Consult and analyze the specialists in town before arriving at a decision.