Prostate Presentation Questions

What does the prostate do?

It makes some of the fluid in semen. It sits below the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra.

Does an enlarged prostate mean cancer?

No. Noncancerous enlargement can cause similar urinary symptoms.

What is PSA? Does a high level mean cancer?

PSA is a protein made by prostate cells. High levels can come from cancer, enlargement, or inflammation.

How is prostate cancer confirmed?

A biopsy takes small tissue samples that are checked for cancer under a microscope.

Why don't we screen everyone?

Screening can cause false alarms and find slow-growing cancers that might never cause harm.

What is active surveillance?

Doctors closely monitor low-risk cancer and start treatment if it shows concerning changes.

What's the difference between stage and Gleason score?

Stage describes the cancer's extent. Gleason score estimates its aggressiveness.

Where does prostate cancer commonly spread?

To lymph nodes and bones. Bone spread can cause pain.

Can prostate cancer be cured?

Localized cancer can often be cured. Distant spread is usually treated to control it and extend life.

Can someone live without a prostate?

Yes, but removal can affect urinary control, erections, and fertility.

How does hormone therapy work?

It lowers or blocks hormones, such as testosterone, that help prostate cancer grow.

Can cancer become resistant to hormone therapy?

Yes. Cancer cells can adapt and grow even when testosterone is very low.

What are common treatment side effects?

Surgery and radiation can affect urination and erections. Hormone therapy can cause hot flashes, fatigue, and bone loss.

What does an immune "cold" tumor mean?

It has little effective immune activity, making it harder for immunotherapy to work.

Why combine immunotherapy with other treatments?

Other treatments may help the immune system recognize and attack the cancer.

Is prostate cancer inherited?

Some inherited gene changes, such as harmful $BRCA2$ changes, increase risk. Most cases aren't explained by one inherited mutation.

Can it be prevented?

There's no guaranteed prevention. Healthy habits help overall health but don't eliminate risk.

Why is mortality higher among Black men?

Several factors contribute, including differences in tumor biology and unequal access to diagnosis and treatment.

What does "1 in 6" mean?

Lifetime risk of being diagnosed, not dying from prostate cancer.

What does five-year relative survival mean?

It compares patients' survival with the general population over five years. It isn't a cure rate or a five-year life limit.