Prostate Cancer: what it is, main symptoms, therapies, life expectancy

TL;DR

• Prostate cancer is a common cancer in men, especially after age 50.
• Early stages often cause no symptoms and are found through screening, either through a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test or a digital rectal exam (DRE).
• Treatment options depend on cancer stage, aggressiveness, age, and overall health.
• Life expectancy is generally high when prostate cancer is detected early.
• Many men live long, full lives with or after prostate cancer.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a disease where malignant cells develop in the prostate gland, a small gland located below the bladder that helps produce seminal fluid.

The prostate surrounds part of the urethra, which explains why prostate cancer can affect urination. Most prostate cancers grow slowly, but some forms are more aggressive and spread faster.

Key facts

• It is one of the most common cancers in men worldwide.
• Risk increases with age, family history, and certain genetic factors.
• Many prostate cancers remain localized to the prostate for years.

What are the main symptoms of prostate cancer?

In early stages, prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. When symptoms appear, they usually relate to urinary or pelvic changes.

Common symptoms may include:

• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Pain or burning during urination
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pelvic discomfort or lower back pain (more common in advanced disease)

These symptoms are not specific to prostate cancer and can also occur with benign prostate enlargement or infections. A medical evaluation is required to determine the cause.

How is prostate cancer detected and screened?

Prostate cancer is often detected through screening tests, especially before symptoms appear.

The two main screening tools are:

• PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test
• Measures the level of PSA in the blood. Higher values can be associated with prostate cancer, but also with benign prostate enlargement or inflammation.
• Digital rectal exam (DRE)
• A physical exam in which a doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to check for irregularities or hard areas.

Screening does not diagnose cancer on its own, but it helps identify men who may need further evaluation, such as imaging or a biopsy. The decision to screen is individualized and should be discussed with a healthcare professional, especially considering age, family history, and overall health.

How is prostate cancer treated?

There is no single treatment for prostate cancer. Therapies are selected based on cancer stage, aggressiveness, spread, age, and patient preferences.

Common treatment approaches include:

Active surveillance

For slow-growing, low-risk cancers, doctors may recommend regular monitoring with PSA tests, imaging, and biopsies instead of immediate treatment.

Surgery (prostatectomy)

Removal of the prostate gland may be considered for localized cancer in patients with good overall health.

Radiation therapy

High-energy radiation is used to destroy cancer cells. It can be delivered externally or internally (brachytherapy).

Hormone therapy

Also called androgen deprivation therapy, this reduces male hormones that fuel cancer growth. It is often used in advanced or recurrent cancer.

Systemic therapies for advanced prostate cancer

When prostate cancer has spread beyond the prostate, additional systemic treatments may be used, including:

• Androgen-receptor–targeted agents
• Such as medications from the abiraterone or enzalutamide class, which further block androgen signaling.
• Chemotherapy
• Used in certain advanced or resistant cases.
• Other newer approaches
• Including targeted therapies or immunotherapies in selected situations.

Each option has potential benefits and side effects, which should be discussed carefully with a healthcare professional.

What is the life expectancy for prostate cancer?

Life expectancy for prostate cancer is generally very favorable, especially when diagnosed early.

Survival trends

• Localized prostate cancer has a 5-year survival rate close to 100%.
• Even with regional spread, long-term survival is common.
• Advanced or metastatic prostate cancer has lower survival rates, but treatments continue to improve outcomes.

Many men die with prostate cancer rather than from it, particularly when the disease is slow-growing.

How does prostate cancer affect daily life?

Living with prostate cancer can involve physical, emotional, and social changes.

Common concerns include:

• Urinary or sexual side effects from treatment
• Fatigue during or after therapy
• Anxiety related to monitoring or recurrence

Support, clear information, and open communication with healthcare providers can help patients adapt and maintain quality of life.

When should someone talk to a doctor?

Men should consider discussing prostate health with a doctor if they:

• Are over 50 years old (or over 45 with family history)
• Experience persistent urinary symptoms
• Have concerns about screening or PSA testing

Early conversations support informed decisions and timely evaluation.

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Disclaimer:

This content is informational and not a medical device.

mama health offers information and support and does not replace a doctor.

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