Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting men. It develops when cells within the prostate gland begin to grow abnormally and uncontrollably. While some prostate cancers grow slowly and may not cause symptoms for many years, others are more aggressive and require prompt treatment.
The good news is that when prostate cancer is detected early, treatment is often highly effective. Understanding the symptoms, risk factors, and available screening options can help men make informed decisions about their health.
What Is the Prostate?
The prostate is a small gland found only in men. It is located just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.
Its main function is to produce fluid that forms part of semen.
As men age, the prostate commonly enlarges. Enlargement is not always due to cancer—many men develop Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), which is a non-cancerous condition.
What Causes Prostate Cancer?
The exact cause is unknown, but prostate cancer develops when genetic changes cause prostate cells to grow abnormally.
Researchers believe a combination of age, genetics, hormones, and environmental factors contribute to its development.
Who Is at Risk?
Your risk is higher if you:
- Are over 50 years of age
- Have a father, brother, or son diagnosed with prostate cancer
- Have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer related to inherited gene mutations
- Are overweight or obese
- Eat a diet high in processed meats and saturated fats
- Have a sedentary lifestyle
Although prostate cancer becomes more common with age, younger men with a strong family history should discuss screening with their healthcare provider.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms.
As the disease progresses, symptoms may include:
- Difficulty starting urination
- Weak urine stream
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Feeling that the bladder does not empty completely
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the semen
- Pain during ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Persistent pain in the hips, lower back, or pelvis
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue in advanced disease
These symptoms can also occur with non-cancerous prostate enlargement or infection, so medical evaluation is important.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Arrange a medical assessment if you experience:
- Persistent urinary symptoms
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Difficulty passing urine
- Pelvic or lower back pain that does not improve
- Unexplained weight loss
- A family history of prostate cancer and concerns about your risk
Early assessment allows appropriate investigations and timely treatment if needed.
Screening for Prostate Cancer
Screening aims to detect prostate cancer before symptoms develop.
Common screening methods include:
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test
PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland.
Higher PSA levels may occur because of:
- Prostate cancer
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
- Prostatitis (prostate inflammation)
- Recent ejaculation
- Recent urinary procedures
An elevated PSA does not automatically mean cancer, but it may require further evaluation.
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
During a DRE, a healthcare provider gently examines the prostate through the rectum to assess its size, shape, and texture.
This examination takes only a few minutes and may provide valuable information.
Should Every Man Have PSA Screening?
The decision to undergo PSA screening should be shared between you and your healthcare provider after discussing the potential benefits, limitations, and possible harms.
Men at higher risk, such as those with a strong family history, may benefit from earlier discussions about screening.
How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
If screening suggests a problem, your doctor may recommend:
- Repeat PSA testing
- Multiparametric MRI of the prostate
- Prostate biopsy (to confirm the diagnosis)
- CT scan, MRI, bone scan, or PET imaging if cancer has been confirmed and staging is required
The biopsy is the only test that can definitively diagnose prostate cancer.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on:
- The stage of the cancer
- The grade (aggressiveness) of the cancer
- PSA level
- Age
- General health
- Personal preferences
Options may include:
Active Surveillance
Some slow-growing cancers can be monitored closely with regular PSA tests, examinations, imaging, and repeat biopsies.
Surgery
Removal of the prostate gland (radical prostatectomy) may be recommended for suitable patients with localized disease.
Radiotherapy
High-energy radiation is used to destroy cancer cells and may be given alone or with hormone therapy.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy reduces testosterone, which can slow the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy may be recommended for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, particularly if it no longer responds adequately to hormone therapy.
Newer Treatments
Some patients may be eligible for targeted therapies, immunotherapy, or newer hormonal agents depending on the characteristics of their cancer and local availability.
Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented?
There is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, but you may reduce your overall cancer risk by:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Eating plenty of fruits and vegetables
- Limiting processed and red meats
- Avoiding smoking
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Attending routine medical check-ups
Living with Prostate Cancer
Many men live long, productive lives after a prostate cancer diagnosis.
Regular follow-up allows doctors to monitor treatment response, manage side effects, and detect recurrence early.
Support from family, healthcare professionals, and support groups can help men cope with both the physical and emotional aspects of treatment.
Can Teledoctor Help?
Yes.
Although prostate cancer requires in-person investigations and specialist care, an online consultation is an excellent first step.
Our licensed healthcare professionals can:
- Assess urinary symptoms
- Review PSA results
- Explain screening options
- Discuss your individual risk factors
- Arrange referrals to urologists
- Coordinate further investigations
- Provide ongoing follow-up and support
Take Charge of Your Prostate Health
Prostate cancer is highly treatable when detected early. If you have urinary symptoms, a family history of prostate cancer, or concerns about screening, don’t wait until symptoms become severe.
Early evaluation could make a significant difference.
Book an Online Men’s Health Consultation with Teledoctor Kenya
If you have urinary symptoms or would like advice about prostate cancer screening, Teledoctor Kenya is here to help.
Our licensed healthcare professionals provide confidential online consultations, PSA result interpretation, referral for further investigations, and coordinated specialist care when needed.
📞 Call or WhatsApp: 0701 913 000
🌐 Book your online consultation today at www.teledoctor.co.ke
Frequently Asked Questions
Is prostate cancer the same as an enlarged prostate?
No. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. Although both conditions can cause urinary symptoms, they are different diseases.
Does a high PSA mean I have prostate cancer?
Not necessarily. PSA levels can rise due to BPH, prostatitis, urinary infections, recent ejaculation, or recent medical procedures. Further assessment is often needed.
At what age should men discuss prostate cancer screening?
Most men should begin discussing screening around age 50. Men at higher risk, such as those with a strong family history, may benefit from earlier discussions with their healthcare provider.
Can prostate cancer be cured?
Many cases of localized prostate cancer can be cured with surgery or radiotherapy. Outcomes are generally best when the cancer is detected early.
Can prostate cancer be managed through an online consultation?
An online consultation is a convenient first step for discussing symptoms, reviewing PSA results, understanding screening options, and arranging referrals. However, diagnosis and treatment require in-person investigations and specialist assessment.