Prostate cancer is a serious problem that is most commonly found in older men. It is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in men of all ages, and the most common cause of cancer related deaths in men over 75. It is rarely found in men younger than 40 so it is very important to have common prostate checkups around that age.
Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland, which is the walnut sized structure that is part of a man’s reproductive system. There are a number of different treatment options. Doctors will run tests and review all of the different options with patients to come up with the most effective plan to treat prostate cancer.
One of the most well-known treatments is prostate surgery. Prostate surgery requires removing the prostate and tissue around it. This is really only an option when the cancer has not spread past the prostate gland making early detection critical. Before this surgery is done is does require a thorough discussion between the doctor and patient about all of the possible side effects and benefits. There are problems that can arise after the surgery which includes erection problems and difficulty controlling urine and bowel movements.
Another prostate treatment is radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is going to use x-rays or other radioactive methods to kills cancer cells. This is another treatment that works most effectively on prostate cancer that has not spread outside of the prostate. It may also be used after surgery to make sure no cancer cells survived in the prostate area.
