The Risks and Signs of Advanced Prostate Cancer
Sobering statistics about advanced prostate cancer – a more aggressive form of prostate cancer that is reoccurring or has spread beyond the prostate – should put all men and those who love them on alert.
A 2023 report released by The American Cancer Society shows advanced prostate cancer cases are on the rise for the first time in 20 years.
This is What Advanced Prostate Cancer Means
The prostate is a small gland below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells in the gland begin to divide uncontrollably, forming an invasive tumor.
Typically, prostate cancer is slow-growing and unlikely to cause a man any harm during his lifetime. But among some men, the cancer cells are more aggressive and likely to spread to other areas of the body – often the lymph nodes, bones, and liver. This is advanced or late-stage cancer.
Who Is at Greater Risk of Late-Stage Prostate Cancer?
The average age of men diagnosed with prostate cancer is 66. However, certain factors can cause younger men to be more vulnerable to the disease. Among the leading factors:
- Race – Black men are 50% more likely to develop prostate cancer and twice as likely to die from the disease, research shows. Some evidence suggests this may be due to inherited biological factors. Men in this group should discuss the need for screenings with their physicians at age 45.
- Family history – Men who have a first-degree relative (father or brother) with prostate cancer are at more than twice the risk of developing the disease. These men should discuss screenings with their physicians at the age of 45. However, if more than one first-degree relative has been diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age, they should seek screening information at 40.
- Genetics – Inherited gene mutations, including those linked to breast and ovarian cancers, could heighten the chances of prostate cancer. Lynch syndrome, a condition caused by inherited genes, also increases the risk of developing the disease. For prostate cancer patients and those with a strong family history of cancer, MIU’s Precision GU genetic testing program offers personalized results that can help predict your risk for a variety of diseases and guide you in your healthcare decision-making.
Look for These Symptoms
The most common symptoms of prostate cancer include frequent urination (especially at night), difficulty starting and stopping, a weak flow, and blood in the urine.
Discuss these symptoms with your doctor if you or someone you know experiences them. A few quick tests, including a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, can detect cancer.
Early detection is critical. If prostate cancer is detected at Stage I, the five-year survival rate is nearly 100%. This underscores the importance of regular screenings and prompt medical attention.
Treatments for Advanced Prostate Cancer
For 10-15% of men, however, they will develop advanced prostate cancer.
Every treatment plan is highly unique, but some of the latest methods we have in battling the advanced stages of this disease include:
- Hormone Therapy – Medications that block the production of testosterone, which feeds cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy – Therapies that stimulate your body’s immune system to find and destroy cancer cells.
- Radioligand Targeted Therapy – Medication that delivers radiation directly to cancer cells via a molecule that binds to specific cancer cell markers.
- Clinical Trials – Access to the latest treatments being researched for advanced prostate cancer.
Other Helpful Prostate Cancer Resources
September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and the Michigan Institute of Urology encourages men to schedule annual prostate screenings. This year, we are stressing an important point—0.75. If your PSA increases by 0.75 or more in one year, it could be prostate cancer. We want to encourage men to know their PSA level and better understand it, aiming to empower them with prostate health knowledge.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. We host a monthly prostate cancer support group meeting at our Town Center location in Troy, providing a safe space for men and their families to share experiences and find comfort in each other’s company.
If you have questions about your risk or treatments for advanced prostate cancer, we encourage you to schedule an appointment with a urologist today. Professional advice and early detection can significantly improve your chances of successful treatment.
