Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men, and it can cause a great deal of discomfort for patients. The good news is that there are many different types of treatments available to help alleviate some of the pain.
Some prostate cancer treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and hormone therapy.
Prostate cancer is a disease that many men fear. It can be difficult to know whether or not you are at risk for prostate cancer, but understanding the symptoms and warning signs of this condition could help save your life if it does turn out that you have it.
There are certain things about prostate cancer treatment that everyone should know to make an informed decision about their health and quality of life.
Symptoms of prostate cancer and how to identify them
Prostate cancer is a major health concern. The prostate gland in the male reproductive system produces fluid that helps fertilize and protect sperm.
Prostate cancer develops when cells grow uncontrollably and can invade nearby tissues, organs, or bones. But there are symptoms of prostate cancer before any serious damage is done to your body.
Here’s what you need to know about these signs so you can catch them early on:
- Difficulty urinating or straining while urinating;
- Blood in the urine;
- Painful ejaculation;
- Poor bladder control (incontinence);
- A lump or thickening in the area between the scrotum and rectum (perineum).
- Pelvic pain
Types of treatments for prostate cancer (surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy)
Prostate Cancer treatment varies depending on the severity of the disease, but some common types include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy.
Surgery may be necessary to remove all traces of cancer cells from the body; this typically involves removing some tissue and organs around them and performing other procedures such as suturing or closing wounds.
Radiation therapy is a form of treatment where radiation kills any remaining cancer cells in your body after surgery has already been completed. Hormone therapies may also be prescribed to cure it.
When should you seek medical attention or call your doctor
What should you do if your prostate symptoms are affecting your day to day life? Is it time to seek medical attention and see a doctor for prostate cancer treatment? There isn’t one answer that fits all, so the best thing is to have an honest conversation with yourself about how much the symptoms are impacting your life.
The first step is figuring out whether or not these symptoms are impacting your daily living and quality of life. If they’re not, it may be worth waiting before seeking medical attention. However, if they impact your daily life things, it’s a matter of concern.
Side effects from each type of treatment that you might experience
Radiation therapy: Side effects of radiation treatment can include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, mouth sores and hair loss.
Chemotherapy: Side effects of chemotherapy are usually milder than those from radiation therapy but may include nausea and vomiting, hair loss or thinning due to low blood cell count (anaemia), decreased appetite in the early stages of treatment when patients often experience a loss of appetite as they feel sick.
Hormone Therapy: Side-effects vary depending on the type you take; some common ones are hot flashes or night sweats which make you feel warm even though your environment is cold. You might also have difficulty sleeping because your body temperature changes throughout the day/night cycle.
Surgery: side effects may vary.
Prostate cancer treatment can have side effects that may not be worth you depending on your situation. The best way to find out is by speaking with your doctor about the pros and cons.
