Prostate cancer treatment

For patients with early-stage prostate cancer, the doctor will wait and monitor the progress of the cancer. This is done because the initial stage of prostate cancer treatment has more significant side effects than the benefits.

 However, during the surveillance period, patients will undergo PSA tests and biopsies regularly to detect signs of cancer growth. If the cancer develops, there are several types of treatment. This type of treatment includes:

1. prostate surgery

Prostate surgery involves removal of part or all of the prostate, as well as some surrounding tissue and lymph glands that are affected by cancer cells.
2. Radiotherapy or radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is done after surgery to kill the remaining cancer cells. This therapy is also used to relieve symptoms and inhibit the development of cancer in patients with advanced prostate cancer.
3. Hormonal therapy

Hormone therapy can be done before or after radiotherapy. Hormone therapy before radiotherapy is designed to increase the success of the treatment process, whereas hormone therapy after radiotherapy aims to reduce the risk of cancer cells returning.

In addition, hormone therapy is also given in a single treatment to slow the progression of terminal prostate cancer and alleviate the symptoms that occur.
4. Chemotherapy

In chemotherapy, drugs are used to eliminate aggressive cancer cells. The drug can be given intravenously or compressed. Chemotherapy is done if the condition of the cancer has spread to other organs outside the prostate.
5. Cryotherapy

Cryotherapy involves tissue freezing by introducing very cold gases to kill cancer cells.
Complications of prostate cancer

Cancer that has spread outside the prostate can damage the nerve function of the surrounding organs, such as the penis and bladder. If this nerve is disrupted, erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence can occur.

Cancer can also spread through blood or lymph nodes to bones or other organs. Prostate cancer that has spread to the bones can cause severe pain, even cracking or breaking.

Prevention of prostate cancer

There are several ways to reduce the risk of prostate cancer, namely:

• Follow a healthy diet by eating low-fat foods and increasing consumption of fruits and vegetables.
• Reduce consumption of milk and its processed products, such as cheese and yogurt, and calcium supplements.
• Limit alcohol consumption.
• Quit smoking.
• Exercise regularly for at least 30 minutes every day.
• Reduce stress by doing meditation and yoga.

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