Is it possible to completely cure prostate cancer?
Are you wondering if prostate cancer is curable? Read this article to know more about the prognosis, treatment options, and the importance of early detection. MedicoExperts Tumor Board provides you with the latest information about curing prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, with an estimated 174,650 new cases in 2019 alone. While it is a serious condition that affects many people each year, there are treatments available to help manage and eventually even cure it.
What Is Prostate Cancer?
It is a cancer that originates in the prostate, a gland situated below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men and AMAB individuals.
The prostate gland produces fluid that mixes with semen to support the health of sperm for reproduction. Despite being a serious illness, most patients discover prostate cancer before it spreads beyond the prostate gland. Treatment in such cases typically eliminates cancer successfully.
What Is The Screening Process For Prostate Cancer?
A popular way of screening for prostate cancer involves checking the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in a man’s blood. PSA is a type of molecule that can trigger the body’s immune system to produce antibodies. Having high levels of PSA may be an indication of prostate cancer, but other non-cancerous conditions may also cause elevated PSA levels.
Men who are 55 and older can undergo a digital rectal exam (DRE) to screen for prostate cancer. During the exam, a doctor inserts a lubricated and gloved finger into the rectum to feel the back of the prostate gland, which is where cancer usually starts. The aim of the exam is to check for any hard areas or bumps on the prostate that may indicate cancer.
It’s important to get screened for prostate cancer because it often doesn’t cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages, which are the most treatable. Some men with early-stage prostate cancer may experience a weak urine flow or pain in the prostate area while sitting.
Learn more about the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer here…
What Is The Reason Behind The Increase In Prostate Cancer Diagnosis In The Past Decade?
Modern medical technology and improved screening tests have made it easier for doctors to detect prostate cancer in its early stages. The incidence of Prostate Cancer is increasing among the elderly male population in India, likely due to the rise in aging men.
This rise in incidence may also be due to increased access to diagnostic centers and hospitals, as well as greater awareness about the disease.
What Is The Average Lifespan Of An Individual Diagnosed With Prostate Cancer?
The life expectancy for individuals with prostate cancer varies based on their cancer stage and their age and overall health status. Treatment response also plays a crucial role in determining life expectancy.
If you have low-grade prostate cancer that is localized, it is not very likely that you will die from it within 15 years of being diagnosed. About 1 in 5 older men with this type of cancer will still be alive 15 years after being diagnosed with it. Usually, they die from other causes unrelated to prostate cancer, such as normal aging, etc.
What Are The Stages Of Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is typically classified into five stages – Stages I through IV. The stage of the cancer determines the prognosis and treatment options available for a patient.
Stage I –
This is an early-stage prostate cancer where the tumor size is small, and it is confined to the prostate gland alone.
The tumor is small and cannot be detected by touch. It only affects a small portion of one side of the prostate gland, and the PSA levels are not elevated. Additionally, the cancer cells appear similar to normal cells.
Treatment at this stage may involve surgical removal of the prostate or radiation therapy, which can be successful in curing the cancer.
Stage II –
In this stage, there may be signs that the tumor has spread beyond the prostate gland but has not metastasized to distant organs yet.
The tumor has been detected solely in the prostate, and the PSA levels are moderate or low. Prostate cancer is in Stage II and is small, but there is a possibility of a higher risk of growth and spreading.
Treatment may include surgery or radiation as well as hormone therapy and chemotherapy together with other treatments such as immunotherapy or targeted therapies, depending
- Stage IIA:
The tumor is not palpable and affects only half or less than half of one side of the prostate. PSA levels are moderate, and the cancer cells are well-formed. As long as the cancer cells have not reached an advanced level, this stage may potentially comprise larger tumours that are found solely inside the prostate.
- Stage IIB:
The tumor is located exclusively within the prostate and may be detectable during a DRE due to its size. The PSA level is moderate, and the (cancer) cells are moderately differentiated.
- Stage IIC:
The tumor is located exclusively within the prostate gland and may be sufficiently sizable to be detectable during a digital rectal exam (DRE). The PSA level is moderate, and the cancer cells may have moderate to poor differentiation.
Stage III:
A high level of PSA, tumor growth, or cancer graded as high indicates that the cancer is locally advanced and has a greater likelihood of spreading and growing.
Treatment may involve a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and other treatments such as hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy or targeted therapies.
- Stage IIIA:
The cancer has advanced from the outer layer of the prostate to neighboring tissues, possibly including the seminal vesicles. Additionally, the PSA level is elevated.
- Stage IIIB:
The has extended beyond the prostate gland and could have spread to adjacent structures like the bladder or rectum.
- Stage IIIC:
The tumor has poorly differentiated cancer cells, which means they appear markedly different from healthy cells.
Stage IV:
The cancer has metastasized outside of the prostate.
The advanced form of prostate cancer is called metastatic cancer. Treatment usually involves hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapies.
- Stage IVA:
The cancer has reached the nearby lymph nodes.
- Stage IVB:
The cancer has metastasized, meaning it has spread to lymph nodes far from the original site, other parts of the body, or the bones.
Check here to learn more about the treatment options for prostate cancer.
What Makes Prostate Cancer Highly Treatable?
Prostate cancer is characterized by its slow growth rate and the availability of effective screening methods.
Fortunately, early detection is possible in most cases, allowing for timely intervention before cancer has a chance to spread to other body parts. Therefore, prostate cancer is considered highly treatable.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer in its early stages can often be cured by doctors, yielding a nearly 100% 5-year survival rate for local or regional forms of cancer. However, if it spreads to other sections of the body, such as the bones, liver, or lungs, the 5-year relative survival rate might decrease considerably to 31%. This is due to the fact that the disease is now affecting other areas of the body.
In case of cancer spreading, doctors may offer aggressive treatment, however, the chances of recovery are usually lower than in earlier stages. On the positive side, people with prostate cancer can still maintain a good quality of life for many years through proper management of cancer and its symptoms with the help of treatments.Need help to understand your prognosis? Get in touch with MedicoExperts Tumor Board today! We provide comprehensive consultation and support for those living with prostate cancer. Book an appointment now!
FAQ :
Q1. What is the life expectancy for someone with stage 4 prostate cancer?
A. The life expectancy for someone with stage 4 prostate cancer depends on how well they respond to treatment and their overall health.
Q2. Can prostate cancer be permanently cured or is there a risk of it recurring?
A. Most prostate cancers can be cured. However, about 25% of people who undergo radical prostatectomy and up to 45% of people who undergo external radiotherapy may experience biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer.
Q3. What lifestyle changes can I make to reduce my risk of prostate cancer?
A. Making lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and reducing stress levels may help reduce your risk of prostate cancer. Additionally, avoiding smoking or drinking alcohol can also be beneficial. MedicoExperts Tumor Board is here to help you better understand your cancer risk and lifestyle changes you can make for prevention.
Q4. What support resources are available to people living with prostate cancer?
A. There is a wide range of support resources available for those living with prostate cancer. These include support groups, online resources, and individual counseling.
Q5. Who should I contact if I am concerned about prostate cancer?
A. If you are concerned about prostate cancer, it is important to speak with your doctor. Your doctor may recommend screening tests and other treatments based on your individual risks.
Written by Dr Subhamoy Mukherjee, Ph.D. (Oncology).
Dr Subhamoy is a molecular oncologist and worked with genomic profiles of patients. He has 8 years of experience in scientific writing and patient data analysis. He takes strong interest in making people aware of the different diagnostic and treatment approaches of cancer through his informative articles and blogs.
