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Being one of the most common types of cancers seen in men, the prevention and cure of prostate cancer has become a subject of interest and a topic of research in recent times. As this disease does not show any symptoms as such, especially during the starting stages, the diagnosis and treatments are usually done in late stages. But as people are now becoming more conscious about their health, it makes them well aware of several common medical conditions and the prevention for the same.

As such there are no preventive measures for prostate cancer. This is because genetic history is one of the reasons for its occurrence. So what is usually done is avoiding the spread of the tumor and suggesting a regular checkup or screening after a particular age. There are some natural methods like taking some medicines regularly, or preventing exposure to some chemicals. Dietary supplements of vitamin D and selenium, intake of soy, the lycopene protein found in tomatoes, all are recommended to decrease the possibility of the disease attack. But these are not medically proved or authentic.

The treatment of prostate cancer depends on the stage of the disease, diagnosed by blood tests and biopsy. Once the stage of medical condition is confirmed, treatment is decided. The most common methods are surgical removal of the organ in case the tumor is locally found on the gland. If the cancer has spread to local areas, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and such similar treatment methods are done to avoid further spread of the tumor. Patients in the first and second stage of disease are now curable to some extent.

In the third stage of the cancer, in which the tumor is spread to more parts like bone and lymph nodes, a cure is not possible. The only way is to control the spread and relieve the patient from the pain. Some herbal and natural remedies exist, but they are not medically approved.

Prostate Cancer is the most common form of cancer seen in men, which affects one of the reproductive organs in men, called prostate gland. It is seen in aging men and sometimes in people exposed to chemical environment, not neglecting the important role played by genetic history and lack of certain dietary supplements. Symptoms are not shown in most cases, which make its diagnosis and treatment late in many cases.

The preliminary diagnosis is done by two screening tests. First one is digital rectal examination (DRE) in which the doctor does physical examination to detect any strange lumps or uncommon change in the shape and size of the prostate gland. The second one is a blood test called prostate specific antigen (PSA), which determine the level of a protein produced by the gland. This test is simple, reproducible and accurate. A quantitative result showing more than 4ng per ml is considered positive for prostate cancer. But this result is also seen in aged men due to increased size of gland, and in men with prostatitis.

If the initial screening gives a positive result or a doubt of possible malignancy, the next step in diagnosis is biopsy, in which a small portion of the tissue from affected area is obtained and sent for detailed microscopic examination. The result of biopsy is combined with an ultrasound scan of the gland to give a detailed report. Once the disease is confirmed through biopsy, the stage of the cancer is determined by several detailed tests like radionuclide bone scans, chest x-rays, CT and MRI scan and cytoscopy to see if the cancer has spread to other areas like bone and nearby lymph nodes.

The treatment methods usually depend on the stage of disease. Surgical removal for localized tumor and radiotherapy, hormonal, chemo and cytotherapy are done for locally spread and for advanced stages of disease. First stage patients can be cured whereas later stages are waiting and watch approach.