As of: February 12, 2024, 10:04 a.m
By: Natalie Hull-Deichsel
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The symptoms do not necessarily make those affected think of cancer.
However, the sooner symptoms are examined, the better the chances of recovery are.
According to the German Cancer Society,
around 62,000 men in Germany are
diagnosed with prostate cancer every year.
The high number of cases makes the disease the most common type of cancer in this population group - after lung cancer, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men that leads to death, at around twelve percent.
The earlier the tumor is discovered, the better the treatment options and chances of recovery are – similar to colon cancer.
In the early stages, particular emphasis is placed on curative therapy.
The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with age.
Also King Charles III.
had prostate surgery at the beginning of 2024.
However, the 75-year-old's cancer, which was reported shortly afterwards, is not said to be related to this, as Buckingham Palace assured in a press release.
The presence of the disease in the family and lifestyle can also promote the disease.
Various symptoms such as increased urination can be a sign of prostate cancer.
The symptoms do not initially suggest any illness, similar to possible bladder cancer, which often causes symptoms similar to a bladder infection.
Breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer: difference in women and men
Find out everything about typical symptoms of the three most common types of cancer in women and men.
Prostate: What tasks the organ takes on in men
The main function of the prostate is to produce part of the seminal fluid, which transports the sperm cells and thus enables the man to fertilize.
© PhotoAlto/Imago
The prostate, also known as the prostate gland, sits below the urinary bladder and surrounds the urethra in a ring, which directs urine from the bladder through the prostate and penis.
The back of the prostate borders the rectum.
The walnut-shaped gland, which is approximately four centimeters in size, produces part of the seminal fluid that transports the sperm cells or sperm.
This seminal fluid from the prostate is important for the motility of the sperm and therefore for their ability to fertilize.
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During ejaculation, the muscles of the prostate contract and force the fluid into the urethra.
The growth and function of the prostate are controlled by the male sex hormone testosterone.
Without the stimulation of the hormone, the gland would remain underdeveloped and would not produce semen.
Difference between malignant tumor and benign enlargement of the prostate
Both the malignant tumor and the enlarged prostate can cause the same symptoms, such as difficulty urinating, but the benign enlargement affects the gland alone and, unlike cancer, does not spread to other areas.
As long as the cancer is still limited to the prostate gland, a cure through surgery (prostatectomy) or radiation is quite possible.
If there are already metastases that have spread to other tissues and organs, various therapies can be used to slow down the progression of the disease, alleviate symptoms and extend lifespan.
Prostate cancer: Know the symptoms and interpret them early
Prostate disease can go unnoticed for a long time.
This makes it all the more important to pay attention to possible symptoms, although in some cases these are only noticeable once the cancer has spread to surrounding tissue.
This makes regular prostate check-ups for preventative care all the more important.
Men aged 45 and over can take advantage of the statutory early detection program once a year, according to the
German Cancer Society
.
Increased urge to urinate, especially at night
Difficulty starting to urinate
Painful urination
Inability to pass urine (urinary retention)
Weak or interrupted urine flow
Severe pain in the lower back (sacrum), pelvis, hips or thighs (sciatica pain)
Painful ejaculation
Less strong erection or impotence
Decreased ejaculation
Blood in the urine or semen
In any case, those affected should consult a doctor if they have at least one of the symptoms mentioned.
The symptoms can also often indicate benign prostate enlargement.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It in no way replaces a visit to the doctor. Our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about medical conditions.