Prostate cancer: the most effective dietary supplements

Prostate cancer, or prostatic adenocarcinoma, is a malignant tumor that develops within the prostate gland. It is a cancer primarily diagnosed in older men, often after age 50, and is characterized by abnormal and uncontrolled growth of prostate cells.​​

Epidemiology

Prostate cancer represents a major public health problem due to its high frequency. In 2000, more than 540,000 new cases of prostate cancer were recorded worldwide, making it the third most common cancer in men.

Risk factors

The main risk factors identified for prostate cancer are: • Advanced age : The majority of cases are diagnosed after age 65. • Family history : A family history of prostate or breast cancer increases the risk. • Ethnic origin : Men of African descent, such as African Americans, have a higher risk. • Genetic and environmental factors : Genetic variations and environmental factors, such as diet, play a role in the incidence of the disease​.

Symptoms

Symptoms of prostate cancer may include: • Difficulty urinating, with a weak or interrupted urine stream. • Frequent need to urinate, especially at night. • Pain or burning sensation during urination. • Presence of blood in the urine or semen. • Pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis. These symptoms may, however, be absent in the early stages of the disease​.

Treatment

Treatment for prostate cancer depends on its stage and the patient’s overall condition. Therapeutic options include: • Radical prostatectomy : Surgery aimed at removing the prostate. • Radiation therapy : Use of radiation to destroy cancer cells. • Hormone therapy : Treatment aimed at blocking male hormones (androgens) that stimulate cancer growth. • Chemotherapy : Use of drugs to kill cancer cells. • Active surveillance : Regular monitoring without immediate treatment for less aggressive forms​.

Prognosis

The prognosis for prostate cancer varies depending on several factors, including the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis and the aggressiveness of the tumor. Thanks to advances in screening and treatment techniques, notably the use of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), diagnosis often occurs at an earlier stage, which improves the chances of cure. However, prostate cancer can progress to more aggressive forms and become resistant to hormonal treatments over time​.