What is prostate cancer?
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm. It's one of the most common types of cancer in men. Early detection through screening can be crucial, as symptoms are not always apparent in the early stages of the disease. Treatment options vary based on the cancer's aggressiveness. Read more to learn about the anatomy of the prostate gland, risk factors and preventing prostate cancer, symptoms, stages, and treatment options.
1.5 million people worldwide were diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2020.
6 in 10 prostate cancers are diagnosed in men who are 65 or older.
99% There is a nearly 100% 5-year survival rate for men with local or regional prostate cancer.
Understanding the Prostate
It is essential to understand the anatomy of the prostate gland for a number of reasons including early detection of diseases, informed health decisions, and proper preventative care.
- Prostate gland: The prostate gland is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The primary function is to create a fluid which forms part of the semen and helps with mobility and vitality, thus making it crucial for male fertility.
- Bladder: The bladder is a hollow organ which is primarily responsible for storing urine until it is ready to be expelled from the body. An enlarged prostate may put pressure on the urinary tract and cause bladder issues.
- Seminal vesicles: The seminal vesicles are a pair of glandular structures located behind the bladder and above the prostate gland. They are responsible for producing and secreting most of the fluid that makes up semen, which carries sperm. These glands contain substances that nourish the sperm, giving it energy to fertilize the egg.
- Vas deferens: These narrow tubes act as transport channels for sperm, carrying them from the testes to the urethra. They complete this function through peristalsis, or the contraction of the muscle that propels the sperm forward.
- Penis: The penis is the external male reproductive organ which is primarily involved in sexual intercourse and removing urine from the body.
- Testis: The testes are housed in the scrotum and they play a crucial pat in sperm and hormone production.
- Rectum: The rectum is the final section of the large intestine, and part of the digestive system. The prostate gland and rectum are separated by a thin layer of tissue, so the condition of the prostate can greatly impact the rectum
- Pubic bone: The pubic bone provides a structural backdrop to the prostate gland.
Risk Factors and Prevention
Risk Factors
Age: The risk of prostate cancer increases significantly with age
Family history: Having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than doubles ones risk
Race/ ethnicity: African American men have a higher risk of prostate cancer compared to men of other races
Genetics: Mutations in certain genes are linked to prostate cancer
Diet and lifestyle: A diet high in red meat and high-fat dairy products and low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk
Prevention
Healthy diet: Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet, as well as antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids
Maintain a healthy weight: Regular exercise and a balanced diet can help reduce the risk
Quit smoking: Smoking is associated with a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer
Regular check-ups: This can help detect prostate cancer early, talk to your primary care provider for more information
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
It is common for people to not experience any symptoms when they have early-stage prostate cancer. For this reason, it is crucial to get regular check-ups with your doctor.
Problems Urinating
The urine stream may be slow or weak, or individuals may notice the need to urinate more frequently, especially at night.
Blood in Urine or Semen
This is caused by an enlarged prostate pressing on the urethra, causing bladder irritation.
Erectile Dysfunction
This may present in more advanced prostate cancer.
Weakness in Legs
Weakness or numbness of legs and feet, or the loss of bowel or bladder control are common in advanced prostate cancer.
Stages of Prostate Cancer
Each stage can be broken down even further. Click on “Learn more from the ACA” for specific details.
Stage I
Cancer is found only in the prostate and has not spread to nearby tissue.
Stage II
Cancer still has not spread, but may grow faster than in stage I.
Stage III
Cancer has spread to nearby tissues, possibly including the seminal vesicles.
Stage IV
Cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes, other parts of the body, or both. This is known as metastatic prostate cancer.
Treatment Options
- Observation: This approach is for less severe cases and may involve prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests every 6 months and a digital rectal exam about once a year, though specific tests will vary from case to case.
- Surgery: In some cases, the entire prostate gland may be removed, along with the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation may be used to kill cancer cells.
- Hormone therapy: By reducing the body’s testosterone levels, the prostate cancer cells may shrink or grow slowly.
- Chemotherapy: Certain drugs can kill rapidly growing cells, this treatment option is used when hormone therapy is ineffective
- Other therapies: Immunotherapy, target therapy, cryotherapy, bone-directed therapy, or combination therapies may also be used. Click here to learn more: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/treating.html
resources
Live-streamed classes
Fitness/Wellness Classes
Join the GatorCare Wellness Team Monday-Thursday at 12 PM for a 15-minute live-streamed fitness or wellness class. Each day focuses on a different aspect of fitness and wellness, including cardio, strength training, meditation, and stretching. All fitness levels are welcome, and no equipment is needed!
Fitness class
Zumba
Looking for a fun way to get active? Join Zumba, the ultimate dance fitness party! Zumba boosts your energy by combining cardio, muscle conditioning, balance, and flexibility. Zumba is free to UF Health Shands and UF employees. Classes take place at UF Health Professional Park (3300 SW Williston Rd, Gainesville, FL) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 PM – 6:15 PM in room D102 (The Swamp). Sign up for a fun-filled workout!
Educational Resource
Get Informed
The mission of the American Cancer Society is to improve the lives of people with cancer and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support, to ensure everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
Any Florida BLue Member 18+
Next Steps Health Coaching
Experience individualized health coaching with the Florida Blue Next Steps Health Coaching program. Health coaching is free for all Florida Blue members who are ages 18+ and is available through phone and email with a Registered Nurse Certified Health Coach.
During these one-on-one sessions, discuss health and wellness topics that matter to you.
Open to everyone
Walking Challenges
GatorCare hosts walking challenges for UF and UF Health employees (and family members!) via an online step-tracking platform called Walker Tracker. Using Walker Tracker makes it easier for you to track your daily steps and even compete against your coworkers and family to encourage you to reach your step goals. Walker Tracker can be accessed on a computer browser or via an app that is downloadable to your personal cell phone. You can sync your wearable activity-tracking device or you can manually enter your steps into the platform.
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