Surely you have heard of prostate cancer before. Especially since prostate cancer, and by prostate cancer we mostly mean metastatic prostate cancer, is among the most common causes of death among men of all ages. Metastatic prostate cancer is not an easy thing to live with and deal with. Which is why it is for the best if you prevent it than to treat it. And how can you prevent it?

As for most of the popular health issues, you can prevent the metastatic prostate cancer by getting informed, especially if you recognize yourself in the risk-factor group, and acting on time. But what does this mean, acting on time? Not to worry because we are here to share all of the vital information about metastatic prostate cancer and especially the ways that you can prevent it! Let’s not waste any more time, shall we?

What is metastatic prostate cancer?

For starters, prostate cancer is cancer that, as the term suggests, affects the prostate gland in men. If you did not know, the prostate gland is responsible for the production of semen and has a role in the urine control in men. Prostate cancer is considered to be the most common type of cancer in the U.S.A and U.K. The latest statistics predict that in the year 2017, there are around 161, 360 new cases, with most of them ending with death. Prostate cancer can be either benign or metastatic. What is the difference, you ask?

The benign prostate cancer, also known as benign prostatic enlargement, usually it is not defined as cancerous. This condition causes certain symptoms to occur that may cause difficulties in a patient’s life. However, this condition does not lead to death. On the other hand, the metastatic prostate cancer is defined as a more advanced stage of prostate cancer in which cancer produces metastases that spread to other parts of the body, usually the lymph or bones in this case. Unfortunately, for this type of cancer, there is no cure. But we are going to talk about this in a little bit. Now let’s talk about what causes metastatic prostate cancer in the first place.

What causes metastatic prostate cancer?

Unfortunately, the exact cause of prostatic cancer is yet unknown. But what we do know are the frequent risk factors that usually lead to prostatic cancer, benign and metastatic. These risk factors include age – it is usually men over the age of 50 that are affected, genetics – men with a family history of prostate cancer, obesity, unhealthy diet, abuse of alcohol and smoking.

What are the symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer?

There are some main symptoms that occur due to the prostate cancer itself such as the presence of blood in the urine or semen, inability to hold the urine, inability to urinate or a need to urinate more frequently, painful ejaculation, pressure or pain in the rectum and so on. But when it comes to the metastatic form of cancer, it depends on where has the cancer spread in the body and accordingly to that, the symptoms occur. Metastatic prostate cancer symptoms include fatigue, pain – especially if cancer has spread to the bones, kidney problems, bowel problems, and sexual problems. But not to worry, although there is no cure for this type of cancer, all of the metastatic prostate cancer treatment options tend to relieve these symptoms.

What stage is metastatic prostate cancer?

Metastatic prostate cancer is considered to be the four stages of prostate cancer. This is the most serious and difficult to manage the stage of cancer. Prostate cancer is treatable when it is discovered in its early stages. But when we are talking about a stage that has reached so far as the metastatic prostate cancer has, then the only thing to do is to only manage and relief the symptoms. But what is the metastatic prostate cancer prognosis? Stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer life expectancy varies from case to case, but most commonly we are talking about one year, maybe something over a year.

Where does metastatic prostate cancer spread?

When we are talking about cancer, the truth is that cancer can spread to any body part that there is. However, when it comes to the metastatic form of prostate cancer, it is noticed that it is the bones and lymph that are most commonly affected by this type of cancer. Most commonly it is the spine, pelvic bones, and ribs that are affected. Apart from the bones and lymph, this cancer also spreads to the lungs, brain, and liver.

How is metastatic prostate cancer diagnosed?

If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, the doctor will probably order X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans and PET scans to be performed in order to discover if you are dealing with the benign or the metastatic type of prostate cancer. Blood tests are also performed. A physical and a prostate exam are a must as well. This way, the doctor will quickly determine with which type of cancer it is that you are dealing with as well as the stage of cancer. From there on, the treatment plan is left to be determined.

How is metastatic prostate cancer treated?

Metastatic prostate cancer treatment has the role not to cure your cancer, but only to treat the symptoms and provide you a certain relief. This is an aggressive type of treatment that focuses on relieving your condition and slowing down the spreading of cancer. You are most likely to undergo chemotherapy, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and psychotherapy. A healthy diet and light exercise are also recommended. Family and friend support is required. Luckily, there are options for new treatment metastatic prostate cancer every day!

What can you do to prevent metastatic prostate cancer?

If you recognize yourself as a risk factor for prostate cancer, and metastatic prostate cancer, then you must act to prevent it. Eating a low-fat diet, exercising and maintaining a healthy diet will help you to change your lifestyle for the better apart from preventing prostate cancer. For all men over the age of 50, a regular prostate exam is a must! If you are smoking, quitting would be the best option. If you ever notice any of the previously mentioned symptoms, then schedule a visit at your doctors just to make sure that everything is okay.

Conclusion

Metastatic prostate cancer is not something to be joked about. It is a thing that every man should take seriously and start improving his chances to prevent it in the first place. We hope that we have successfully informed you about all the key details and facts that you should have on your mind when it comes to metastatic prostate cancer and prostate cancer in general. With its unknown cause, this type of cancer takes more and more lives every year.

And although the researchers are working on developing effective treatment options, all that these treatment options can do is relieve the symptoms, not cure cancer. Improve your chances of a better, healthier and happier life without any trace of cancer in it. Act in time and prevent the metastatic prostate cancer starting from today!