Prostate Cancer Survival Rates

In the United States, prostate cancer is ranked to be the second most common form of cancer. However, the good news is, most do not succumb to it. The prostate gland is a major part of the male reproductive system. One important function of this gland is to mix the semen, just before it is going to ejaculate, with a milky white fluid. This fluid makes the semen alkaline. And this alkalinity helps the sperm to neutralize the acidic environment in the vaginal tract, when they are in it to reach the egg for fertilization. In other words, one of the most important requirements for successful pregnancy is a perfectly working prostate gland. Apart from this, this gland also causes the urethra to close during ejaculation in a sexual act. This is what that stops urination during ejaculation. Due to certain reasons, which doctors aren't sure of, cancer cells begin to invade the tissues of the prostate. This condition is known as prostate cancer.

Signs and Symptoms

There are hardly any symptoms of prostate cancer during its initial stage. And when symptoms do occur, they indicate that the condition has already reached an advanced stage. The common signs as observed are:

• The urine may have a tinge of blood in it, and so may the semen
• Legs may swell
• The pelvic area may seem to be in discomfort most of the time
• Burning sensation during urination or ejaculation
• Urine stream may get interrupted frequently, or it may get weaker
• Nocturia
• Weight loss
• Nausea, fatigue or vomiting
• Difficulty in starting urination, and the same is with stopping it

Survival Rates

Prostate cancer survival rate refers to the number of patients (calculated in percentage), who were able to survive the condition for a given period of time, after they were diagnosed. This is based on a certain type of and stage of the cancer, and the time period is usually taken for 5 years. So in other words, the survival rate of this cancer is the number of people who are alive 5 years after they were diagnosed with the disease, regardless of the fact whether they are having any kind of symptoms or not, are free of the disease, or are receiving treatment.

It is to be known that survival rates for the disease are derived from a study that is conducted over a large number of people. And the result may not be specific to a particular patient. Also, the rates depends upon a few factors such as the age, prostate health, the stage, and if the cancer has just been diagnosed or has had a recurrence.

According to what experts have come up with and observed, the 5-year relative survival rate for a prostate cancer in local and regional stage comes up to 100%. Local stage means that the cancer is still confided to the affected site. And by regional it means that, the disease has already progressed out of the affected site or may have reached the lymph nodes.

Then comes the distant stage, which means that the cancer has spread throughout the body. This is where the disease is known to have metastasized. For this, the survival rate comes down to about 33.3%. There are also cases, where the staging of the cancer remains unknown. In this case, the survival rate is taken as 79.5%.

People can cut the risk of prostate cancer by inculcating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, avoiding supplements, following a regular exercise schedule, and maintaining a healthy weight. More importantly, if there is a slight doubt regarding the disease, it is wise to discuss it with a doctor.