Effects of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. It is the type of cancer that occurs in the prostate of men. The prostate is a small muscular gland responsible for the production of seminal fluid that nourishes and transport sperm. The effects of prostate cancer could be more dangerous if left untreated.

Even though it is not known exactly what causes prostate cancer, there are certain things that can be done to either minimize the risk or prevent prostate cancer. [Read about the Prevention Here]. Below are some of the effects of prostate cancer.

The effects of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer when not detected and left to grow can bring some complications to its victim. Some of the effects of prostate cancer include the following.

• Incontinence – Prostate cancer can bring about the inability of the bladder to restrain itself, hence resulting in involuntary discharge of urine. This is known as urinary incontinence. Treatment of prostate cancer can also result in this condition.  Treatment for urinary incontinence depends on the type, severity and the likelihood it’ll improve over time. Options include medication, surgery and catheters.
• Metastasis (spreading to other areas) – Prostate cancer has the tendency of spreading to other areas and nearby organs such as the bladder. It can also travel through the blood stream or the lymphatic system to the bones and other organs. Prostate cancer that is left to spread to other parts of the body is unlikely to be cured but may respond to treatment and be controlled. Prostate cancer that spreads to the bones can cause pains and broken bones.
• Erectile Dysfunction – Both prostate cancer and its treatment can result in erectile dysfunction. Treatments such as radiation, surgery and hormone treatment can lead to erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction can be treated through medications, surgery and vacuum devices that aids in achieving erection.
• Bowel Dysfunction – It is very rare for men to have bowel problems after surgery, but in the case where prostate cancer spreads to the rectum, surgery may result into rectal damage.  This could result in bowel problems such as rectal bleeding, diarrhoea or urgency.

Treatment side effects

Other effects of prostate cancer may result from treatment. These include infertility problems after prostatectomy, surgery side effects, radiation therapy side effects, hormone therapy side effects and chemotherapy side effects.

Read about the causes and symptoms of prostate cancer Here.

Note that the risk of developing prostate cancer can be minimized or prevented. Hence do not wait until the condition is developed before seeking for help as treatment may leave you with some side effects.

Read on how to prevent prostate cancer HERE.