When should I test for prostate cancer?

If you are above 40 and have symptoms of painful urination, blood in urine or semen, and troubles with urination, you might need to get tests done for prostate cancer.

What are the side effects of cancer treatment?

The potential side effects of cancer treatment may include nausea, vomiting, sexual dysfunction, and urinary incontinence.

Is radiation therapy an option for the treatment of prostate cancer?

Radiation therapy uses X-rays to destroy cancerous cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy is helpful in both the early as well as advanced stages of prostate cancer.

How much will my cancer progress without treatment?

There are numerous factors on which the prognosis of cancer depends. These factors include the stage of cancer, its aggressiveness, and the Gleason score. These all together can predict the risk of prostate cancer progression.

Is prostate cancer curable?

Prostate cancer is curable when it’s detected and treated in the early stages. Tumors are more likely to respond to treatment in the beginning stage. Also, there are fewer or no complications in the early stage.

Prostate cancer

Written By Dr. Swati MishraBDS

Reviewed By Dr. Mekhala Chandra

MD, MBBS

Last updated on: 23 Jun 2025 | 05:52 PM (IST)

Also known as Prostatic adenocarcinoma

Overview

The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland that is a part of the male reproductive system. It facilitates sperm transport and nutrition by producing seminal fluid. The prostate wraps around the male urethra as it exits the bladder.

In prostate cancer, cells in the prostate gland begin to multiply abnormally. The risk of developing it increases with age, with men being affected over 50 years of age. Other main risk factors include family history, ethnicity, genetic mutations and diet.

Poor bladder control, painful urination, weight loss, fatigue and erectile dysfunction are some of the symptoms of prostate cancer. Diagnosis is done using a digital rectal exam, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, and prostate biopsy.

Prognosis and treatment of prostate cancer depend on cancer staging. Treatment modalities include observation, active surveillance, surgery (radical prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, immune/vaccine therapy, and other medical therapies that can treat prostate cancer cell growth.

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Overview

Key Facts

Symptoms

Causes

Risk factors

Diagnosis

Prevention

Specialist to visit

Treatment

Home-care

Complications

Alternatives therapies

Living with

FAQs

References