Is prostate cancer life-threatening?

Prostate cancer is life-threatening, especially when the disease progresses to the late stage or is not treated in time, but if it is detected early and receives standardized treatment, many patients can achieve long-term survival or be cured. The risk of prostate cancer depends on the stage of cancer and the timeliness of treatment. The following is an analysis from the disease's pathogenesis to countermeasures.

1 Causes of prostate cancer

The occurrence of prostate cancer is mainly related to multiple factors:

Genetic factors: If there is a direct relative with prostate cancer in the family, the individual risk of the disease may be higher. In particular, men with a family history of genetic disease need regular physical examinations and early screening.

Environmental factors: Smoking, drinking, and excessive intake of high-fat foods in the diet may increase the risk. Studies have found that a high-fat diet can affect the metabolism of androgens, thereby increasing the probability of prostate cancer.

Physiological factors: Age is an important factor, and most prostate cancers occur in men over 50. At the same time, abnormal androgen levels may also induce the occurrence of lesions.

Pathological factors: If the in situ lesions are not diagnosed and intervened in time, they may gradually develop into malignant cancer. Patients with chronic prostatitis or hyperplasia also need to pay close attention to their health and have regular follow-up visits.

2 Treatments for prostate cancer

Current treatment options for prostate cancer include the following:

Drug treatment: For early stage patients, hormone therapy such as androgen deprivation therapy can be used to inhibit or reduce the level of androgen in the body, thereby controlling the growth of cancer cells. Selective medications such as bicalutamide, leuprorelin and other common clinical drugs should be used under the guidance of a doctor.

Surgical treatment: Suitable for patients who are in good health and whose cancer is still confined to the prostate. Surgery includes open or minimally invasive prostatectomy, which can effectively remove the lesion tissue and has a high cure rate.

Radiation therapy: External radiotherapy (EBRT) or internal brachytherapy (BRT) can destroy local tumor cells. It is suitable for patients with major health problems, who are not suitable for surgery, or those who cannot tolerate hormone therapy.

3 Lifestyle and rehabilitation management

In addition to medical treatment, scientific lifestyle management can assist in treatment:

Dietary control: It is recommended to reduce the intake of saturated fat and sugar, and eat more foods containing antioxidants, such as tomatoes, green tea, soy products, etc., which will help slow the progression of the disease.

Exercise: Gentle aerobic exercise, such as walking or swimming, improves blood circulation, helps boost immunity and lifts your spirits.

Regular follow-up: Regardless of the stage of the disease, PSA prostate-specific antigen levels should be monitored regularly after treatment to keep track of the condition at all times.

Prostate cancer is a disease that poses a great threat to life quality and health, but it is also a type of cancer that is controllable in the early stages and relies on intervention. Regular health check-ups, screenings, and standardized management are the key to reducing mortality. For men, especially the middle-aged and elderly, paying attention to prostate health will provide important protection for life safety.