The growth of a tumor in the prostate gland causes prostate cancer. Early diagnosis is the key to curing this condition. This is why it is helpful to know about the common causes and treatment options for prostate cancer. Read on to know more about the common causes and treatment options for prostate cancer.

Causes

There are no straightforward causes that lead to cancer in the prostate gland, but the following risk factors are commonly observed.

• DNA level changes that occur in the cells in the prostate gland can cause prostate cancer. These are often mutations that occur due to hereditary factors.
• Repair genes are the natural aids of the body that help in the correction of any DNA level anomalies. But when these repair genes fail, it can lead to the development of inherited cancers like prostate cancer. Lynch syndrome is common in men with such genetic level mismatches. This disease can also be an early indication of the possibility of prostate cancer.
• Men who are above 50 years of age are at a higher risk of prostate cancer. Men in this age group, experiencing any warning sign associated with prostate cancer, should immediately consult a doctor.
• Unhealthy weight is one of the major factors that is associated with prostate cancer. Men whose Body Mass Index or BMI is over the healthy range are more likely to be at risk. An increase in waist circumference should also not be ignored during old age.

Treatment options

Only when you know the common causes and treatment options for prostate cancer would you be able to tackle this condition before it advances. Here are some of the commonly recommended treatment options for this type of cancer.

• Hormone therapy

This involves an artificial reduction in testosterone levels to slow down and eventually kill the growth of cancer cells. This is used in combination with radiation therapy in most cases.

• Radiation therapy

This involves bombarding the cancer cells with photons to destroy them. It instantly destroys cancer cells and stops the spread of cancerous growth.

• Chemotherapy

Platinum-based and taxane chemotherapy are the most popular options for extending the patient’s life, especially when cancer has advanced.

• Surgical removal

Surgically removing the prostate gland is often considered as a reliable option to prevent the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.

As you now know about the common causes and treatment options for prostate cancer, you can easily work on identifying its early signs. Noticing these warning signs in time would give one a head-start in seeking medical intervention when the cancer is still benign.