Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer: Understanding One of the Most Common Cancers in Men
Every year in Europe, prostate cancer affects hundreds of thousands of men, making it one of the most common cancers in men. More than two million European men are currently living with prostate cancer, and about 80,000 lose their lives to it annually. Although modern medicine has made significant progress in detecting and treating prostate cancer, especially when diagnosed early, these numbers are concerning.
The prostate is a small gland about the size of a walnut, located below the bladder in men. It produces the fluid that helps protect and nourish sperm cells.
As men age, their risk of developing prostate cancer increases, with most cases being diagnosed in men over 50.
Left: Healthy prostate, right: prostate with tumour. Icons created in BioRender.com
One challenge with prostate cancer is that early stages often show no symptoms, which is why regular check-ups are so important. When symptoms do appear, they might include difficulty urinating, frequent urination (especially at night), blood in urine, or pain in the lower back – though these symptoms can also be caused by other, non-cancerous conditions.
Today, doctors use several tools to diagnose prostate cancer. Blood tests measuring PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) levels may indicate potential problems. A key advancement in the diagnosis is the use of specialised MRI scans before any invasive procedures. These detailed images help doctors identify suspicious areas and decide whether a biopsy (taking a small tissue sample) is needed.
MRI scan of prostate
Treatment options vary depending on several factors, including how aggressive the cancer is and how far it has spread. Some men with slow-growing prostate cancer might not need immediate treatment but instead undergo "active surveillance" – regular monitoring to ensure the cancer isn't becoming more aggressive. Others might need surgery, radiation therapy, or other treatments. Each approach has its benefits and potential side effects, which is why it's crucial for patients to have detailed discussions with their healthcare team about the best option for their specific situation.
Quality of life is a major consideration in prostate cancer treatment. Some treatments can affect urinary control or sexual function. However, modern techniques and supportive care have improved significantly, helping to minimise these effects and maintain quality of life during and after treatment.
In COMFORT, we are working to develop new artificial intelligence tools that can help doctors make more accurate diagnoses and choose the most appropriate treatments for each individual patient, potentially improving outcomes while maintaining quality of life.