WHO reveals that prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer experienced by men. It is estimated that around 1.3 million men worldwide suffer from prostate cancer. In Indonesia alone, prostate cancer ranks second as the most common type of cancer in men.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor disease experienced by men. Malignant or cancerous tumors develop in the prostate gland. Generally, characterized by urinary disorders. Prostate cancer can strike men over the age of 50. This cancer is not aggressive and develops slowly.
The prostate is a small gland located at the base of the bladder. This gland is part of the reproductive system and its position surrounds the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis. The prostate also functions as a producer of semen, which is the fluid released with sperm during ejaculation.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
In its early stages, prostate cancer does not cause any symptoms. When the cancer gets bigger or there is inflammation of the prostate gland, the sufferer will experience symptoms in the form of urinary disorders, for example bloody urination, difficulty urinating or not urinating smoothly.
What are the complications of prostate cancer?
Keep in mind that prostate cancer complications can be prevented so as to reduce the risks for your health in the future. Here are some complications of prostate cancer that may occur:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Infertility
- Urinary incontinence
- Bloody tub
- Metastasis or spread of cancer to other organs
How to prevent prostate cancer?
As with other cancers, adopting a healthy lifestyle has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer in general. The healthy lifestyle in question is:
- Consume a plate of fruit and vegetables every day
- Exercise 30 minutes 4-5 times a week
- Maintain ideal body weight
- It is recommended to do prostate cancer screening over the age of 45 years
How to treat prostate cancer?
The usual treatment methods are taking drugs, surgery, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and cryotherapy. Of course, these treatment methods depend on the doctor's analysis based on the severity of the cancer and the patient's overall condition.
That's complete information about prostate cancer. To prevent prostate cancer, it is very important to get screened as early as possible (at least when you are 45 and over) at a hospital with a trusted doctor. Screening is usually done in one of two ways. First, the PSA test, which is a simple blood draw. Second, a brief rectal examination that takes less than 30 seconds.
Article reviewed by dr. Arie Asnafi, Sp.U (Urology Surgeon, Tangerang EMC Hospital).