Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among American men, affecting 1 in 7 during their lifetime. It’s typically diagnosed between the ages of 40-70, although it has been seen in younger men as well. It develops in the prostate gland, between the bladder and urethra, and is part of the male reproductive system. The prostate gland produces seminal fluid that is expelled from the body during ejaculation.
Prostate cancer often grows very slowly, and many men will not show symptoms. However, it is possible for prostate cancers to develop rapidly and spread to surrounding body parts. These cases may need immediate treatment.
Life with Prostate Cancer
If an older man develops a slow-growing prostate cancer – especially if the man has other serious medical conditions or is otherwise in comprised health – watchful waiting, or simply monitoring its progression, may be recommended. Doctors who advise this type of surveillance may do so when the cancer has not progressed outside the prostate, is slow-growing and small, and isn’t causing any disruptive symptoms.
It can take up to 15 years for prostate cancer to spread. Many older men diagnosed with prostate cancer die of other causes such as heart disease or stroke before the prostate cancer has grown enough to threaten their lives. Thus, it is estimated that only 1 in 36 men diagnosed with prostate cancer actually dies from it.
That said, it is very important for a man to get screened for prostate issues after the age of 50. Early detection and monitoring of prostate cancer improve an individual’s chance of recovering and the survival rate – especially if they have the aggressive, fast-growing type. There are a number of treatment options in this case, including radiation therapy, surgery, hormone therapy, and more.
Lifestyle choices such as a healthy diet and plenty of exercises may help reduce the likelihood that a slow-growing prostate cancer becomes more aggressive over time.
The survival rate of prostate cancer is usually very optimistic, with the help of treatment and lifestyle adjustments. Regular checkups with your physician can make all the difference and even save your life.
If you catch prostate cancer early, it often can be treated non-invasively. CyberKnife is rapidly becoming the number one treatment of choice for prostate cancer at the CyberKnife Center of Miami. This cutting-edge radiation therapy targets tumors with pinpoint accuracy, eradicating them. Also, know as Radiosurgery, you only need 5 treatment sessions over 10 days instead of 45 over 3 months with other types of radiation therapy. Best of all, it requires no cutting or anesthesia so there is no recovery time and few if any side effects. To learn more about CyberKnife or to schedule a consultation call (800) 204-0455 or 305-279-2900 and visit our website www.prostatecancertreatmentmiami.com