What is Prostate Cancer? Symptoms, Causes, Types, and Treatment Explained

What if a silent disease was threatening the health of millions of men, and most didn’t even know it?
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men worldwide. In India alone, over 40,500 new cases are diagnosed each year, yet awareness remains alarmingly low. By understanding what prostate cancer is, recognising its early warning signs, knowing its causes, and exploring the latest treatment options, men can take control of their health and make informed decisions that could save lives.

 

What is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate gland, which is a small, walnut-shaped organ in males that makes seminal fluid, is where prostate cancer starts. Seminal fluid is important for feeding and moving sperm. Most of the time, this kind of cancer grows slowly, but sometimes it can be aggressive and spread quickly.

Most of the time, males over 50 are the ones who are diagnosed. It's also crucial to remember that the survival rate for prostate cancer is fairly high when it's found early, especially before it extends beyond the prostate gland.

 

Prostate Cancer Symptoms: What to Watch For?

Early-stage prostate cancer symptoms often go unnoticed, which is why regular screenings after age 50 are vital. However, as the cancer progresses, men may start to experience symptoms. Recognising the signs of prostate cancer early can be life-saving.

Common Symptoms Include:

• Difficulty in starting or stopping urination

• Weak or interrupted urine stream

• Frequent urination, especially at night

• Pain or burning during urination

• Blood in urine or semen

• Pain in the lower back, hips, or thighs

• Erectile dysfunction

If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, a prostate cancer diagnosis through a PSA test or biopsy may be necessary. 

 

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate gland begin to grow uncontrollably. While the exact cause of prostate cancer is not fully understood, researchers believe it results from a combination of genetic, hormonal, lifestyle, and environmental factors. The disease typically begins when mutations occur in the DNA of prostate cells, leading to abnormal growth and division. Over time, these abnormal cells may form a tumour that can spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body.

Understanding the root causes is only part of the picture—certain individuals are more likely to develop prostate cancer due to specific risk factors that further influence its onset and severity.

 

Main Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Age

• The risk rises significantly after the age of 50, and most cases are diagnosed in men over 65.

• As men age, hormonal changes, DNA damage accumulation, and a decline in immune surveillance may contribute to cancer development.

Family History

• Men with a first-degree relative (father, brother, or son) who has had prostate cancer are twice as likely to develop it themselves.

• The risk increases further if multiple family members are affected or if the cancer was diagnosed at a younger age.

• Inherited gene mutations such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 have also been associated with aggressive prostate cancer.

Race and Ethnicity

• African-American men are at higher risk and tend to develop more aggressive forms of the disease.

• They also face a higher mortality rate, possibly due to genetics, socioeconomic factors, healthcare access, and environmental influences.

• Men of Asian and Hispanic descent generally have lower incidence rates.

Diet and Lifestyle

• Diets high in saturated fats (especially from red and processed meats) and low in fruits and vegetables are linked to a higher risk.

• Excessive calcium intake, particularly from supplements, may increase risk.

• Nutrient-rich foods like tomatoes (lycopene), green tea, soy, and cruciferous vegetables may help reduce risk.

Obesity and Physical Inactivity

• Obese men are more likely to develop aggressive or advanced prostate cancer.

• Fat tissue can alter hormone levels, including testosterone and oestrogen, influencing tumour growth.

• Obesity is also associated with higher insulin and inflammation levels, which can worsen prognosis.

• Staying active improves outcomes and may lower risk.

Type of Prostate Cancer	Aggressiveness	PSA Production	Common Sites of Origin/Spread
Adenocarcinoma	Varies (most are slow-growing, but some can be aggressive)	Yes – usually produces PSA	Starts in the prostate gland
Small Cell Carcinoma	High – often diagnosed at an advanced stage	No – typically does not produce PSA	May spread quickly to bones, liver, or lungs
Squamous Cell Carcinoma	High – faster growing than adenocarcinoma	No – does not produce PSA	It can spread rapidly to nearby tissues and distant organs
Transitional Cell Carcinoma	Moderate to High	May produce low or no PSA	Originates in the urinary bladder; spreads to the urethra, prostate, or nearby organs

 

 

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: How Is It Detected and Assessed?

Early detection of prostate cancer plays a vital role in improving treatment outcomes and survival rates. Diagnosis typically involves a step-by-step approach combining blood tests, physical exams, imaging, and tissue analysis.

 

Key Diagnostic Methods

PSA Test (Prostate-Specific Antigen)

• A blood test that measures PSA levels, which tend to be elevated in men with prostate cancer.

• While not cancer-specific, persistently high or rising PSA levels can prompt further testing.

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)

• A physical exam where a doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to check for lumps or hard areas.

• DRE may detect abnormalities not reflected in PSA levels.

Imaging (MRI or Transrectal Ultrasound)

• Multiparametric MRI is often used to assess suspicious areas in detail.

• Ultrasound may be used during biopsy or when an MRI is unavailable.

• Imaging helps determine the extent and location of abnormal tissue.

Prostate Biopsy

• A sample of prostate tissue is collected (usually via a needle guided by ultrasound or MRI).

• The tissue is examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer cells.

 

Staging and Grading of Prostate Cancer

Once cancer is confirmed, it’s important to determine how aggressive it is and how far it has spread. This guides treatment planning.

Gleason Score (Grading System)

• Assess how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope.

• Scores range from 6 to 10 (with 6 being low-grade and 8–10 being high-grade).

• Higher Gleason scores indicate more aggressive cancer.

TNM Staging System (Tumour–Node–Metastasis)

• T (Tumour): Size and extent of the tumour in the prostate.

• N (Nodes): Whether cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.

• M (Metastasis): Whether cancer has spread to other organs, such as bones or lungs.

 

Prostate Cancer Treatment Options: Comparative Overview

Treatment Option	Best Suited For	Common Risks/Side Effects	Recovery Time
Active Surveillance	Men with low-risk, slow-growing prostate cancer	Anxiety from regular monitoring; possible missed window if cancer becomes aggressive	N/A – ongoing monitoring
Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy)	Localised prostate cancer in healthy patients	Urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction, infection, bleeding	4–6 weeks for initial recovery; full recovery may take several months
Radiation Therapy	Local or locally advanced cancer; also used post-surgery	Fatigue, bowel issues, urinary problems, and erectile dysfunction	A few weeks to a few months, depending on the type
Hormone Therapy (Androgen Deprivation Therapy)	Advanced or recurrent prostate cancer	Hot flashes, bone thinning, decreased libido, weight gain, mood swings	Ongoing – managed with medications or injections
Chemotherapy	Advanced, metastatic, or hormone-resistant prostate cancer	Hair loss, nausea, low immunity, fatigue, neuropathy	Several months (cycle-based)
Immunotherapy	Select cases of advanced or genetically driven prostate cancer	Autoimmune reactions, fatigue, skin rashes, diarrhoea	Varies by drug (weeks to months)

 

Prostate Cancer Prevention Tips

Although not all prostate cancers can be prevented, certain lifestyle changes can reduce your risk. Here’s how you can focus on prostate cancer prevention:

• Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Exercise regularly

• Limit intake of red meat and high-fat dairy

• Avoid smoking

• Get regular screenings after age 50 or earlier if you’re at high risk

By incorporating these habits, men can potentially lower their risk and detect any problems early.

 

Prostate Cancer Survival Rate

The prostate cancer survival rate varies based on the stage at which it’s diagnosed:

• Localised Cancer: 5-year survival rate is nearly 100%

• Regional Spread: 5-year survival is about 99%

• Distant Spread (Metastatic): Drops to about 32%

These statistics emphasise the importance of early detection and prompt treatment.

 

Final Thoughts

Understanding what prostate cancer is, recognising its early symptoms, knowing your risk factors, and exploring available treatment options are essential steps every man should take. With early detection, the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival are significantly higher. Stay informed, prioritise regular health check-ups, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

For expert diagnosis and world-class treatment, trust the specialised urologists and oncologists at Manipal Hospitals Global. With advanced technology, personalised care, and a patient-first approach, Manipal Hospitals offers comprehensive prostate cancer care tailored to international standards.

Every moment counts. Prostate cancer, when caught early, is highly treatable. Don’t wait for symptoms to take the lead.

Take the first step with Manipal Hospitals Global.
Learn more or book a consultation today.
 

FAQs

 

Q: What are the first five indicators of prostate cancer?

A: Some early indicators are needing to urinate a lot, especially at night; having trouble starting or stopping urination; having a weak or interrupted stream of urine; having painful urination or ejaculation; and having blood in urine or semen. If you have these symptoms, you should see a doctor to rule out or confirm prostate cancer or another urinary problem.

 

Q: How long may a person with prostate cancer live?

A: Prostate cancer usually grows slowly. Many men who are diagnosed with this disease enjoy long, robust lives. If caught early, the five-year survival rate is almost 100%. Advanced instances are different, but treatment can greatly improve symptoms and lengthen life, letting many men survive for many years after being diagnosed.

 

Q: Is there a way to get rid of prostate cancer?

A: Yes, prostate cancer can be cured, especially if it is found early. Surgery and radiation therapy are two common ways to treat illnesses. Even at advanced stages, contemporary treatments can effectively control the disease, control symptoms, and significantly extend life expectancy, which improves the patient's quality of life over time.

 

Q: What is the best way to treat prostate cancer?

A: The stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and their preferences all have a role in how it is treated. You can choose active surveillance, surgery (prostatectomy), radiation, hormone therapy, or a mix of these. Cancers that are still in their early stages may not need therapy right now. An expert's assessment helps figure out the best and most tailored way to get the best results.

 

Q: How to find prostate cancer?

A: Regular screenings are needed to find prostate cancer. A blood test for Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) are part of this. If the results are not normal, imaging and a prostate biopsy are done to make sure the diagnosis is correct. Finding the disease early greatly increases the chances of successful therapy and survival overall.

 

Q: What can we do to stop prostate cancer?

A: A healthy lifestyle can lower the chance of prostate cancer, but it can't be completely stopped. Eat a good diet, get regular exercise, keep your weight in check, don't smoke, and limit how much red meat you eat. Regular checkups and screenings help find problems early so that action can be taken right away.