4 frequently asked questions about advanced prostate cancer

Prostate cancer originates in the prostate gland of a person. When cancer progresses and spreads to other parts of the body, it is known to have metastasized and is considered to be an advanced prostate cancer stage. Prostate cancer can spread directly to the nearby tissues or from the lymph nodes to the distant parts of the body. The progression of late stage prostate cancer is likely to affect the bones, liver, adrenal gland, and lungs.

What are the risk factors of advanced prostate cancer?
There is no known cause for prostate cancer; however, there can be a combination of several factors that may cause advanced prostate cancer. The risk factors associated with advanced prostate cancer include the following:

• Age : Men who are above the age of 65 are more at risk of developing prostate cancer.
• Family history: People who have had a family history of prostate cancer are at a higher risk of developing the condition.
• People of certain race or ethnicities : There are men of certain race or ethnicities, such as African-Americans, that have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
• Obesity : Many pieces of research suggest that obese people have an increased chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer than other men.

How is advanced prostate cancer treated after it has progressed to other parts of the body?
Even after prostate cancer has progressed to its advanced stage, the treatment of prostate cancer still remains the same. However, it becomes more difficult to treat prostate cancer when it reaches the advanced stage. Most of the times a combination of treatments are used for treating advanced prostate cancer. Some of the common treatments for advanced prostate cancer include the following:

• Hormone therapy : Hormone therapy suppresses the male hormones that help in the growth of cancer cells. There are, however, certain side effects associated with hormone therapy drugs like sexual dysfunction, anemia, and site reactions.
• Immunotherapy : Immunotherapy is used to treat the progression of advanced prostate cancer especially if hormone therapy does not work. There is a vaccine that is provided to treat advanced prostate cancer that makes the person’s immune system fight the disease.
• Chemotherapy : Chemotherapy kills the cancer cells throughout the body and it may shrink tumors. It also helps to slow down the growth of new tumors.
• Radiation : Beams of radiation therapy is provided for the external areas of the body. However, for the internal areas, the doctor may implant tiny radioactive seeds.

What are some of the alternative treatments used for advanced prostate cancer?
It is important to know about advanced prostate cancer to make informed decisions regarding the condition. It is important to be honest and open with doctors about the health and quality of life. Below are some alternative therapies for advanced prostate cancer that will help in coping with the symptoms:

• Meditation, breathing exercises, and other mindful practices
• Therapy for calming the mind and relaxing
• Tai chi, yoga, and other movement therapies
• Massages to relax the body
• Joining a support group for seeking help and advice

On what basis is a treatment option recommended for advanced prostate cancer?
In advanced prostate cancer, the cancer has spread to distant organs of the body, usually the spine, pelvis, lymph nodes, liver, bones, bladder, or lungs. There is no cure that is available for advanced prostate cancer. However, one can work with the doctors to control the cancer as long as possible and maintain a good quality of life.

• Advanced prostate cancer treatment depends upon its progression and the signs and symptoms the person is experiencing.
• Moreover, the response to the treatment and at the rate at which the cancer is spreading has an influence on the treatment option being chosen for advanced prostate cancer.

With the right treatment option being used, one can expand their lifespan even with metastatic prostate cancer.

Tags- advanced prostate cancer progression, prostate cancer symptoms, prostate cancer signs, late stage prostate cancer, symptoms prostate cancer