Prostate Cancer

Question 1

What is prostate cancer?

Answer 1

Prostate cancer is a malignancy originating in the prostate gland, commonly affecting men worldwide.

Question 2

How prevalent is prostate cancer in the UK?

Answer 2

Approximately 48,500 new cases are diagnosed annually, representing 25% of all new male cancer cases.

Question 3

What is the 5-year survival rate for prostate cancer?

Answer 3

The 5-year survival rate is approximately 98%, indicating a highly curable condition.

Question 4

What are common risk factors for prostate cancer?

Answer 4

Risk factors include advancing age, family history, African-Caribbean ethnicity, and a diet high in saturated fats.

Question 5

What are typical symptoms of prostate cancer?

Answer 5

Early stages may be asymptomatic; later stages can present with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) such as hesitancy, weak stream, nocturia, and haematuria.

Question 6

What is the role of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in prostate cancer?

Answer 6

PSA is a protein produced by the prostate; elevated levels can indicate prostate cancer but may also be due to benign conditions.

Question 7

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

Answer 7

Diagnosis involves a combination of PSA testing, digital rectal examination (DRE), and prostate biopsy.

Question 8

What imaging modalities are used in prostate cancer evaluation?

Answer 8

Multiparametric MRI is commonly used for staging and assessing the extent of the disease.

Question 9

What is the Gleason scoring system?

Answer 9

A grading system that assesses the aggressiveness of prostate cancer based on histological appearance, ranging from 6 (least aggressive) to 10 (most aggressive).

Question 10

What are the main treatment options for localized prostate cancer?

Answer 10

Options include active surveillance, radical prostatectomy, and radiotherapy.

Question 11

What is active surveillance in prostate cancer management?

Answer 11

A monitoring approach for low-risk, localized prostate cancer involving regular PSA tests, DREs, and repeat biopsies to avoid overtreatment.

Question 12

What is a radical prostatectomy?

Answer 12

A surgical procedure involving the complete removal of the prostate gland and seminal vesicles to treat localized prostate cancer.

Question 13

What are potential side effects of radical prostatectomy?

Answer 13

Side effects can include urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

Question 14

How does radiotherapy treat prostate cancer?

Answer 14

Radiotherapy uses high-energy radiation to destroy cancer cells in the prostate, suitable for localized or locally advanced disease.

Question 15

What is androgen deprivation therapy (ADT)?

Answer 15

A treatment that reduces androgen levels to slow the growth of prostate cancer, used in advanced or metastatic cases.

Question 16

What are common side effects of androgen deprivation therapy?

Answer 16

Side effects may include hot flushes, reduced libido, osteoporosis, and metabolic changes.

Question 17

What is metastatic prostate cancer?

Answer 17

Prostate cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland to other parts of the body, commonly bones and lymph nodes.

Question 18

What are symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer?

Answer 18

Symptoms can include bone pain, weight loss, fatigue, and lower extremity oedema.

Question 19

What is the role of chemotherapy in prostate cancer?

Answer 19

Chemotherapy is used in advanced prostate cancer to control disease progression and alleviate symptoms.

Question 20

What is the significance of bone scans in prostate cancer?

Answer 20

Bone scans detect bone metastases, which are common in advanced prostate cancer.

Question 21

How does family history influence prostate cancer risk?

Answer 21

A family history of prostate cancer increases an individual’s risk, particularly if first-degree relatives are affected.

Question 22

What lifestyle factors can reduce the risk of prostate cancer?

Answer 22

A healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, regular physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight may reduce risk.

Question 23

What is the purpose of PSA screening?

Answer 23

PSA screening aims to detect prostate cancer at an early, asymptomatic stage to improve treatment outcomes.

Question 24

What are the controversies surrounding PSA screening?

Answer 24

Concerns include overdiagnosis, overtreatment, and potential side effects from unnecessary interventions.

Question 25

What is the importance of patient education in prostate cancer?

Answer 25

Educating patients about symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options empowers informed decision-making and promotes early detection.