Prostate Cancer: Early signs, global risks & diagnosis: What you need to know

The most common form of cancer in men is prostate cancer. In its early stages, many men do not show any symptoms, or the signs may be very mild. Knowing the warning signs and risk factors can help you make an informed decision.

The following is covered in this article:

• Statistics & Trends Global
• Men should be aware of the early symptoms
• Risk factors
• Diagnosis Methods
• What to do when you need to visit a physician

Global Prostate Cancer Statistics and Trends

It is important to understand the extent of prostate cancer.

• There will be approximately 1,467.854 new prostate cancer cases in 2022.
• The second most common cancer type in men worldwide.
• The incidence varies greatly by region. Age-standardised Rates (ASR), for example, are higher in North America, Oceania, and certain parts of Europe. In many areas of Asia and Africa, they are much lower.
• The projections indicate that the number of cases will increase dramatically: By 2040, it is likely to double nearly, and death rates may also rise, particularly in areas with poor healthcare.

Early symptoms: Signs that are often missed

Early symptoms of prostate cancer can be difficult to detect or mistaken for other conditions. It’s important to get evaluated if you experience any of the following symptoms consistently.

Symptom	What It Might Feel Like	Why It Happens / What It Suggests
Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)	Waking up one or more times at night to urinate	Could suggest early obstruction or irritation in urinary tract
Weak or interrupted stream of urine	Flow that starts/stops, or is weaker than usual	The prostate may press on the urethra
Difficulty starting urination	Need to push/strain to begin urination	Early blockage or stiffness of prostate tissue
Pain or burning during urination	A burning sensation, pain, discomfort	Could be infection, but also possible early sign of cancer near bladder or urethra
Blood in urine or semen	Pinkish or reddish urine/semen, or seeing blood visibly	Though bleeding may have many causes, in some cases it’s a warning sign
Feeling that bladder is not fully empty	After urination, a leftover feeling	Prostate enlargement or pressure affects bladder emptying
Erectile dysfunction or pain with ejaculation	Changing function / pain during sexual activity	Prostate proximity to nerves and urethra can affect these functions

These symptoms may also happen with other prostate issues – like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis – so having them does not always mean cancer. But persistence over weeks or months, or worsening symptoms, or combination of symptoms should prompt medical evaluation.

The Risk Factors: How do they Increase Chances?

Certain men are at higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Understanding the factors that are out of one’s hands can help in detecting prostate cancer early.

• Risk Increases with Age. The majority of cases are in men older than 50. Risk increases with age.
• Genetics and family history: Having a brother or father with prostate cancer can increase risk. Certain genetic mutations, such as certain BRCA variants, are associated with more aggressive forms.
• Race. In most studies, African and Caribbean men have a higher rate of incidence, as well as worse outcomes.
• Lifestyle Factors: Obesity and poor nutrition (low in fruit/vegetables, high in processed food) increase the risk of cancer or worsen its prognosis.
• Geographic and environmental factors: The environment in each country is different, as are the diets. In countries that have more screenings, cases are found earlier.

Diagnose prostate cancer: how is it detected?

Early detection is key. These are the tools and methods that have been used around the world.

1. 1. Screening Tests
      • PSA Blood Test: The prostate produces a protein called PSA. A high level can indicate cancer, but it could also be BPH or inflammation.
      • Digital Rectal Exam: The doctor checks for lumps or hard spots on the prostate gland by feeling it with the rectum.
   2. Imaging
      • MRI scans can be used more and more to detect suspicious tissue before a biopsy.
      • Sometimes, newer technologies like focused ultrasound or ultrasonic waves can be used.
   3. Biopsy
      • When screening and imaging indicate a high risk of cancer, prostate tissue is taken for biopsy.
   4. Staging
      • When cancer has been confirmed, the doctors will determine its extent (prostate, tissues nearby, lymph nodes, and bones).
      • It helps decide the treatment.
   5. Active Surveillance / Watchful Waiting
      • Doctors may choose to monitor some cancers in the early stages, or those that are slow-growing, rather than treating them immediately. The treatment can have side effects.

When to See a Doctor

You should consider seeing a doctor if:

• • If symptoms persist beyond 2-4 weeks, they may be indicative of a more serious condition (e.g., Changes in Urination.
  • Blood in the urine or semen
  • Back, hips, and pelvis pain that appears suddenly without an apparent cause
  • Frequent nighttime urination, particularly if it affects sleep or life quality
  • New Erectile Dysfunction that is not otherwise explained
• Early diagnosis allows for more options in treatment, better outcomes, and, generally, fewer side effects.

Global Challenges & Outlook

• • Subdiagnosis of low and middle-income countries. Many diseases are not diagnosed early because there is limited access to diagnostic and screening tools.
  • The dangers of overdiagnosis when screening are high. Diagnosing cancers that may not cause any harm to the individual during their lifetime could lead to excessive treatment. It is crucial to balance screening risks and benefits.
  • An increase in new cases is projected to occur as more countries adopt population age, life expectancy increases, and screening.

FAQs

Q: Can young men (under 40 or 30) get prostate cancer?

A: It’s very rare. The majority of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men older than 50. Screening may be recommended earlier if there is a strong family history of cancer or genetic risk.

Is it possible to have a normal PSA?

There are common ranges, but they can differ by lab and age. The presence of a “normal” PSA does not rule out the possibility of cancer. However, elevated PSA isn’t necessarily a sign that cancer has been detected.

A: There is no evidence to support this.

Normal sexual activity does not increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Can prostate cancers be prevented?

Yes, it is possible to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer by adopting a healthy lifestyle. This includes maintaining a healthy body weight, eating fewer processed meats and more vegetables, exercising regularly, avoiding red meats as much as you can, and getting screened if your risk level increases.

Q: Is prostate cancer always fatal?

A: No. Most cases of prostate cancer are very slow-growing and do not cause any serious issues. Early detection is key to survival.

Q. What treatment options are there globally?

Surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, and sometimes chemotherapy, depending on the stage of disease or healthcare resources. Active surveillance may be used in some cases for those with low risk.

Conclusion

Globally, prostate cancer is one of the most serious health issues. The early signs of prostate cancer are usually mild and easily missed, but it is important to be aware. Risk is affected by age, lifestyle, and family history. Early detection is possible with screening methods such as PSA, DRE, and imaging, in combination with biopsy and imaging.

Consult your doctor if you continue to experience symptoms. Early detection of cancer improves treatment outcomes. There are still challenges in the world when it comes to screening, avoiding overdiagnosis, and improving access and awareness. However, with improved care and better access, many prostate cancer deaths can be prevented.