The prostate, a small gland in the male reproductive system, is where prostate cancer typically develops. It is the most common cancer in men and is typically less aggressive and slower-growing than other cancers. The likelihood of survival varies depending on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s age and general health, the type of treatment, and other factors. Prostate cancer can be serious and even life-threatening.
Factors Affecting the Chance of Survival in Prostate Cancer
The likelihood of surviving prostate cancer depends on a number of variables. These consist of:
Stage of Cancer: The stage of prostate cancer describes the extent of the disease. Prostate cancer can be found in four stages; Stage 1 is the least developed and stage 4 is the most developed. As the stage of the cancer decreases, the likelihood of survival generally increases. For example, the five-year survival rate for stage 1 prostate cancer is almost 100%, while the rate for stage 4 prostate cancer is only around 30%.
Age and general health: Prostate cancer patients may have a lower chance of survival if they are older or suffer from other health problems. They may also have less robust bodies, making them more susceptible to cancer and the side effects of treatment.
Cancer type: There are subtypes of prostate cancer that are more aggressive and fast-growing than others. These cancers can be more difficult to treat and are more likely to spread to other body parts.
Treatment received: The type of therapy used may also affect a patient’s likelihood of surviving prostate cancer. Radiation and surgery are two treatments that may be more effective than others at getting rid of cancer cells.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
Surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy and chemotherapy are some of the treatment options for prostate cancer. The type of treatment recommended will depend on the type of cancer, the patient’s age, general health, and stage of the disease.
Surgery: Prostate cancer surgery is frequently used as a treatment, especially for early stage cancers. Prostate cancer can be treated with a variety of surgical procedures, including:
Radical prostatectomy: During this procedure, the entire prostate gland and some of the surrounding tissue will be removed. It is typically recommended for early-stage cancers involving the prostate gland.
Laparoscopic prostatectomy: This procedure to remove the prostate gland is minimally invasive. It may take less time to heal than a radical prostatectomy and is less invasive.
Cryosurgery: In this procedure, cancer cells are frozen and destroyed using extreme cold. Typically, only cancers in the early stages are recommended for use.
Radiation therapy: High-energy rays, such as X-rays, are used in radiation therapy to kill cancer cells. It may be administered as a primary treatment for prostate cancer or as a follow-up treatment to destroy any cancer cells that may remain after surgery. Radiation therapy comes in several forms, including external beam radiation and brachytherapy.
Hormone therapy: Reduced testosterone levels in the body are achieved through hormone therapy. Lowering testosterone levels can slow or stop the growth of cancer cells because testosterone is a hormone that promotes the growth of prostate cancer cells. Hormone therapy is typically recommended for patients with advanced stages of cancer or those who are not candidates for surgery or radiation therapy.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a medical procedure that uses drugs to destroy cancer cells. It is usually only recommended for cancers that are in their advanced stages and have spread to other body parts. Chemotherapy can be administered intravenously or orally, and the exact medications and treatment regimen depend on the patient and the type of cancer they have. Although chemotherapy can be effective in killing cancer cells, it has significant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and a high risk of infection.
Source:
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/prostate-cancer/survival
Prof. Dr. Gökhan Koç graduated from Gazi University Faculty of Medicine in 2000. After his graduation, he worked as a research assistant in the urology clinic at Tepecik Training and Research Hospital for 5 years and became a specialist doctor in 2007. He currently provides services in urological surgery in İzmir.