An overview of this article:
2. How Do I Know I Have Prostate Cancer?
3. How Can I Prevent Prostate Cancer?
6. Best Prostate Cancer Treatment Hospitals
Prostate cancer, with more than 1.4 million new diagnoses annually, is now increasingly becoming a manageable health challenge.
Advancements in early detection through screenings like PSA tests and digital rectal exams have been instrumental in improving survival rates.
Overall, more than 8 in 10 men diagnosed with prostate cancer today are predicted to survive their illness for at least ten years.
The path to recovery from prostate cancer is unique to each patient. Some prostate cancers are slow growing, while others require aggressive treatment.
Choosing the right treatment depends on various factors, including the cancer's stage, overall health, and personal preferences.
This is why specialised care from prostate cancer treatment hospitals is indispensable. These facilities offer comprehensive services, from accurate diagnosis to personalised treatment plans and post-treatment support.
In this article, we delve into the world of prostate cancer, exploring screening methods, diagnostic procedures, and ultimately, the best prostate cancer treatment hospitals.
Do you need prostate cancer treatment? Talk to a patient support specialist to explore your treatment option or access a cancer treatment hospital today!
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer disrupts the normal function of the prostate gland by forming abnormal cells that multiply rapidly. These abnormal cells often form a tumour, which may interfere with the gland's functioning.
The prostate gland is the organ responsible for producing a significant portion of seminal fluid in the male reproductive system. This fluid nourishes and transports sperm, contributing to the overall reproductive process.
How Do I Know I Have Prostate Cancer?
In most cases, there are no signs and symptoms that alert a patient on the presence of prostate cancer. It can develop to an advanced stage without presenting noticeable symptoms.
Potential indicators of prostate cancer may include:
• Frequent urination
• Weakened urinary stream
• Unexplained weight loss
• Pain in bones, e.g. Pelvis, neck, back, or hips, and the
• Presence of blood in urine or semen
How Can I Prevent Prostate Cancer?
According to medical experts, there is no sure way of preventing prostate cancer. Regular screening is one of the best ways of detecting prostate cancer.
All men are at risk of developing prostate cancer, but some factors could make you more susceptible to it. Here are the risk factors of prostate cancer:
Family history: Genetic factors increase the potency of prostate cancer. If you have a brother, father, or multiple male relatives with prostate cancer, you are at a higher risk of developing the illness.
Age: Prostate cancer risk significantly increases with age. While the condition is more prevalent in men over 65, the likelihood of developing prostate cancer begins to rise after the age of 50.
Ethnicity: Statistics indicate that the occurrence of prostate cancer is higher among men of African descent compared to other ethnic groups.
Additionally, several lifestyle and environmental factors contribute to prostate cancer risk, including obesity, smoking, exposure to certain chemicals, and dietary choices.
Prostate Cancer Screening
Screening involves detecting cancer before symptoms appear. Prostate cancer screening tests do not definitively diagnose cancer.
Individuals with a high probability of developing prostate cancer should begin screening in their 40s. If screening results show abnormalities, a biopsy may be necessary to confirm the presence of prostate cancer.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA test)
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is a standard screening tool for prostate cancer. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland.
While a certain level of PSA in the blood is normal, elevated levels can indicate the potential presence of prostate cancer. It's important to note that other factors, such as an enlarged prostate, can also influence PSA levels. A biopsy may be necessary to determine the cause of high PSA levels.
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a clinical procedure where a physician inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to conduct a manual examination of the prostate gland.
This examination allows for the detection of any abnormal growths, irregularities, or changes in prostate texture that may suggest the presence of prostate cancer.
PSMA MRI
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides detailed visual representations of the prostate gland and surrounding tissues. A PSMA MRI can be employed to assess the stage of prostate cancer.
Biopsy
For men with elevated PSA levels or other concerning factors, a prostate biopsy may be recommended. This diagnostic procedure involves obtaining tissue samples from the prostate gland for microscopic examination.
A biopsy is the absolute method for confirming a prostate cancer diagnosis. Moreover, the biopsy results provide invaluable insights into the cancer's characteristics, such as its aggressiveness and stage, which are essential for tailoring an effective treatment plan.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Options
Determining the best treatment for prostate cancer involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient. Factors influencing treatment decisions include:
• Cancer's aggressiveness (how fast the cancer is growing)
• Extent of spread to nearby tissue, organs, or lymph nodes
• Overall patient health
• Benefits and risks related to each treatment option
I) Observation and Active Surveillance for Prostate Cancer
Not all types of prostate cancer are the same. While others grow and spread fast, others are slow to metastasis. An oncologist may recommend active surveillance or watchful waiting for prostate cancer that may not need immediate treatment.
a) Active surveillance involves close monitoring of prostate cancer without immediate treatment. This approach is typically employed when cancer is slow-growing.
Regular follow-up includes prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood tests every six months and annual digital rectal examinations (DREs).
Prostate biopsies and imaging studies may be performed every one to three years. The specific monitoring schedule is adaptable based on individual patient factors and preferences.
b) Watchful waiting (Observation) is a less intensive monitoring approach that involves fewer tests and relies on symptom changes to determine the need for treatment. This strategy is often considered for older men or those with other significant health problems.
II) Surgery for Prostate Cancer
Surgical intervention of prostate cancer entails the removal of the prostate gland (radical prostatectomy), surrounding tissue, and lymph nodes.
Surgery may be used in combination with other treatment modes to treat advanced prostate cancer.
There are two types of techniques surgical oncologists use to access the prostate:
a) Robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy is a minimally invasive prostate surgery technique involving several small abdominal incisions. Surgical instruments are attached to a robotic device and inserted through these incisions.
The surgeon, seated at a console, controls the robot with precision to perform the procedure. This approach has become the standard of care for many prostate cancer surgeries.
b) Radical prostatectomy is an open surgical procedure involving a single, longer incision in the lower abdomen to access and remove the prostate gland. While less frequently performed, this approach may be necessary in certain circumstances.
Two primary risks associated with prostate cancer surgery include erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence (loss of bladder control).
III) Radiation for Prostate Cancer
Radiation therapy is a treatment option that uses high-energy rays or particles to eradicate prostate cancer cells. This approach can be delivered through various methods:
a) External beam radiation therapy (EBRT): Involves the precise delivery of focused X-ray beams to the cancer area. Oncologists adjust radiation intensity and beam configuration to maximise tumour dose while minimising damage to nearby healthy tissues.
b) Brachytherapy: Involves implanting tiny radioactive seeds directly into the prostate gland. These seeds deliver a concentrated dose of radiation continuously over time, effectively destroying cancer cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissues. This treatment is particularly suitable for localised prostate cancer that hasn't spread beyond the gland.
c) Proton therapy: A form of radiation treatment that offers exceptional precision in targeting and destroying cancer cells while minimising harm to surrounding healthy tissues. Reduces the risks commonly associated with traditional radiation, such as damage to the bladder and rectum.
IV) Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer
Hormone therapy works by inhibiting the body's production of testosterone. Prostate cancer cells need testosterone for growth and multiplication.
By reducing testosterone levels, this treatment can induce the cancer cells to die or significantly slow tumour growth.
V) Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer
Chemotherapy is a treatment option that uses powerful medications designed to eliminate rapidly dividing cells, including cancer cells.
Administered through a vein or orally (pills), chemotherapy is administered for prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, or that does not respond to hormonal therapies.
VI) Immunotherapy for Prostate Cancer
Immunotherapy harnesses the body's immune system to combat prostate cancer. By disrupting the cancer cells' ability to evade immune detection, the treatment allows the immune system to target and eliminate these malignant cells effectively.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors and Sipuleucel-T (Provenge) are notable immunotherapy options that have demonstrated clinical benefits in managing prostate cancer.
Get in touch with a Patient Support Specialist to explore the best Prostate Cancer Treatment Option.
Best Prostate Cancer Treatment Hospitals
Prostate Cancer Treatment Hospitals in India
• Apollo Hospital: Offers advanced prostate cancer care with robotic surgery and chemotherapy.
• Fortis Hospital: Known for comprehensive prostate cancer treatment, including radiation therapy and immunotherapy.
• Wockhardt Hospitals: Provides specialised prostate cancer care with a focus on patient-centred treatment.
• Max Healthcare: Offers robotic surgery and advanced radiation therapy for prostate cancer.
• Artemis Hospital: Renowned for its holistic approach to prostate cancer treatment and patient care.
• Accord Hospital: Provides comprehensive prostate cancer care with a dedicated urology department.
• HCG Hospitals: Focuses on advanced cancer care, including prostate cancer, with a network of specialised centres.
• MIOT International Hospital: Offers comprehensive prostate cancer treatment with a strong emphasis on research.
READ: Top 10 Hospitals in India
Prostate Cancer Treatment Hospitals in Thailand
• Bumrungrad International Hospital: Provides world-class prostate cancer care with a focus on minimally invasive procedures.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Hospitals in Turkey
• Anadolu Medical Centre: Offers advanced prostate cancer treatment with a team of experienced urologists.
• Acibadem Group of Hospitals: Provides comprehensive prostate cancer care with a focus on patient-centred treatment.
• Medipol Hospital: Offers robotic surgery and advanced radiation therapy for prostate cancer.
• Memorial Healthcare Group: Provides comprehensive prostate cancer care with a focus on research and innovation.
• Liv Hospital: Provides comprehensive prostate cancer care with a strong emphasis on patient experience.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Hospitals in Nigeria
• Reddington Multi-Specialist Hospital: Offers comprehensive cancer care, including prostate cancer treatment, with advanced diagnostic facilities.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Hospitals in Egypt
• Andalusia Hospital: Provides advanced prostate cancer care with a focus on minimally invasive procedures.
• Cleopatra Hospital: Offers comprehensive prostate cancer treatment with a strong emphasis on patient care.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Hospitals in Kenya
• HCG CCK Cancer Centre: Offers specialised prostate cancer care with a focus on advanced treatment options.
• 3rd Park Hospital: Provides comprehensive cancer care, including prostate cancer treatment, with state-of-the-art diagnosis and surgical equipment.
• The Nairobi West Hospital: Offers prostate cancer treatment with a focus on patient-centred care. GET a PSMA MRI Scan for prostate cancer in Nairobi at this hospital.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Hospitals in Tanzania
• Aga Khan Hospital: Provides comprehensive cancer care, including prostate cancer treatment, with a strong focus on patient outcomes.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Hospitals in Singapore
• Raffles Hospital: Provides world-class prostate cancer care with a focus on minimally invasive procedures and advanced treatments.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Hospitals in UAE
• American Hospital Dubai: Offers comprehensive prostate cancer care with a focus on patient-centred treatment.
• King’s College Hospital Dubai: Provides world-class prostate cancer care with a focus on research and innovation.
• NMC Hospital Dubai: Offers advanced prostate cancer treatment with a team of experienced urologists.
• Saudi German Hospital, Dubai: Provides comprehensive prostate cancer care with a focus on patient outcomes.
• Burjeel Hospitals Dubai: Offers prostate cancer treatment with a focus on minimally invasive procedures and advanced technologies.
• Saudi German Hospital Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Offers comprehensive prostate cancer care with a strong emphasis on patient care.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Hospitals in the UK
• The London Clinic Hospital: Provides world-class prostate cancer care, focusing on patient-centric treatment, cancer research, and treatment innovation.
Prostate Cancer Treatment Hospitals in South Africa
• Ahmed Al-Kadi Hospital: Offers comprehensive prostate cancer care, focusing on patient outcomes and access to advanced treatments.
In Conclusion
My 1Health has partnered with hospitals in Africa, Europe, and Asia that deliver specialised treatment to prostate cancer patients. We are a medical facilitator that has helped over 45,000 patients around the world access healthcare within our global network of hospitals and treatment specialists.
From booking a consultation, securely sending your medical records to specialists, arranging for travel and post-treatment follow-up. We offer end to end healthcare facilitation.
Would you like access to any of these world-class Prostate Cancer Hospitals? Talk to a Patient Support Specialist and get your best option.
