Signs of ‘silent’ Prostate Cancer with 129 Men Diagnosed Daily
A medical expert sheds light on the indicators of prostate cancer, emphasizing that the disease can often remain ‘silent’ without any noticeable symptoms. Prostate cancer continues to be a significant cause of mortality among men in the UK, with statistics from Prostate Cancer UK revealing approximately 48,000 diagnoses annually – equating to around 129 cases daily. While there are specific crucial signs to watch for, Dr. Silvia Slavikova advises all men aged 40 and above to undergo evaluation by their physician, particularly if their family has a history of the illness.
The leading oncologist emphasizes the importance of monitoring any bodily changes and promptly seeking advice from a general practitioner. Dr. Slavikova highlights common warning signs of prostate cancer, including an increased urge to urinate both during the day and at night, a slow or interrupted urine flow, and a persistent feeling of needing to urinate even after emptying the bladder. She also notes that an enlarged prostate, prevalent in older individuals, can cause similar symptoms but may not always indicate cancer.
Concerningly, prostate cancer can be asymptomatic in the initial stages. Hence, Dr. Slavikova stresses the significance of all men aged 40 and over undergoing a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, especially if there is a family history of the disease. According to the NHS, prostate cancer typically remains asymptomatic until the tumor reaches a size that exerts pressure on the urethra, causing urinary symptoms.
Treatment options for prostate cancer encompass radiotherapy, hormonal therapy, and surgery such as radical prostatectomy, involving the removal of the entire prostate gland. An emerging popular option is proton therapy, a treatment modality where precise ‘pencil beam’ radiation targets the tumor location with high accuracy. This therapy aims to shrink the tumor more effectively than conventional methods, reducing the risk of collateral damage and secondary cancers.
Dr. Slavikova, serving as the Assistant Medical Director at the Proton Therapy Centre in Prague, highlights that proton beam therapy boasts impressive success rates, with up to 97% of cases being curable. Notably, this treatment minimizes the risk of erectile dysfunction, with 94% of men retaining sexual function post-treatment, along with shorter recovery periods. The incidence of incontinence post-proton therapy stands at a mere 1%, in stark contrast to the 15% following surgery and 5% after standard radiation therapy.
The NHS operates proton therapy treatment centers at The Christie hospital in Manchester and University College London, although prostate cancer patients are not routinely treated at these facilities. It is essential for men to familiarize themselves with the signs of prostate cancer and actively pursue preventive measures to safeguard their health. Early detection and appropriate treatment interventions play a pivotal role in combating this silent yet deadly disease.