From the Guidelines
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in males worldwide and is second only to lung cancer as a cause of death from malignancy in American men. The statement that prostate cancer is often a very aggressive disease with poor prognosis is not entirely accurate, as the disease is heterogeneous, ranging from small low-grade tumors that are indolent and incidental to large, aggressive, life-threatening tumors 1. While it is true that prostate cancer can be aggressive, many cases are slow-growing and may not cause serious harm. Radiation therapy does not treat cancer by burning the prostate, but rather by using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells 1. Surgery is not the recommended approach for all patients who are fit enough for it, as treatment options vary based on the cancer's aggressiveness, stage, and the patient's overall health 1.
Some key points to consider when evaluating prostate cancer include:
- The disease is heterogeneous, making it challenging to precisely characterize and match patients to optimal treatment 1
- The primary goal during baseline evaluation of prostate cancer is disease characterization, including establishing disease extent and aggressiveness 1
- Determination of tumor aggressiveness is ultimately the most important factor, as it drives patient outcome 1
- Early detection through PSA blood testing and digital rectal examinations is crucial for successful treatment, and treatment options range from active surveillance for low-risk cancers to surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy for more advanced cases 1.
It is essential to note that prostate cancer is a significant health concern, with an estimated 220,800 American men diagnosed with the disease and 27,540 deaths in 2015, resulting in a substantial economic burden of approximately $10 billion per year 1.
From the Research
Correct Statement about Prostate Cancer
The correct statement about prostate cancer is:
Incorrect Statements
The following statements are incorrect:
- Radiation therapy treats cancer by burning the prostate: This statement is not accurate, as radiation therapy works by killing cancer cells, not by burning the prostate 2.
- Prostate cancer is often a very aggressive disease with poor prognosis: While prostate cancer can be aggressive, many cases are localized and have a high 5-year survival rate of nearly 100% 2.
- Surgery is the recommended approach to treating prostate cancer in all patients who are fit enough for it: Treatment decisions for prostate cancer depend on various factors, including risk stratification, life expectancy, and patient preferences, and may include active surveillance, radiation therapy, or surgery 2.