What is the role of PSA for early detection, and how does hormone therapy affect cancer patients? These are questions we dig into in this episode.
In This Episode:
- 01:32 – Road Trip-South Carolina & Shout Halellujah Potato Salad
- 02:38 – Fighting For Your Life Is Boring – Andrew Reynolds
- 04:44 – Prostate Cancer – Risks and Treatment
- 09:46 – Why Was Biden’s Prostate Cancer Detected So Late?
- 14:52 – Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
- 16:08 – Gleason Scoring for Prostate Cancer Grade
- 19:18 – Hormone Therapy – Androgen Deprivation
- 33:27 – Prostate Cancer and Partners
- 36:21 – Outro
About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind lung cancer.
Learn signs and symptoms, the role of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) for early detection and monitoring, how androgen-blocking therapy works, and how it affects patients and their partners.
Where is the Prostate Gland?
The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. It lies just below the bladder (the organ that collects and empties urine) and in front of the rectum (the lower part of the intestine). It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds part of the urethra (the tube that empties urine from the bladder). The prostate gland makes fluid that is part of the semen.
Problems with urination or blood in the urine or semen may be a sign or symptom of disease.
How was President Biden’s Prostate Cancer Detected So Late?
We talk about he role of PSA in prostate cancer screening, but it is not perfect. Often there is no indication until there are problems with urinating or a nodule found in a prostate exam.
In the official statement released about the President’s diagnosis it said:
“Last week, President Joe Biden was seen for a new finding of a prostate nodule after experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. On Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, characterized by a Gleason score of 9 (Grade Group 5) with metastasis to the bone.”
It continued, “While this represents a more aggressive form of the disease, the cancer appears to be hormone-sensitive which allows for effective management.”
How Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancers Are Treated
We talk about how androgen therapy – also known as androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) or hormone therapy – plays a crucial role in treating prostate cancer by reducing or blocking the effects of androgens, primarily testosterone, which fuel cancer cell growth.
ADT can come with significant side effects, which we talk about. It is important to discuss with your care team to find out what can be done to help reduce the impact.
Many side effects of hormone therapy can be prevented or treated. For example:
- Hot flashes can often be helped by treatment with certain antidepressants or other drugs.
- Brief radiation treatment to the breasts can help prevent their enlargement, but this is not effective once breast enlargement has occurred.
- Several drugs can help prevent and treat osteoporosis.
- Depression can be treated with antidepressants and/or counseling.
- Exercise can help reduce many side effects, including fatigue, weight gain, and the loss of bone and muscle mass.
The video below has some good examples of managing prostate cancer treatment side effects.
Prostate Cancer – The “Couple’s Disease”
Prostate cancer often is referred to as a “couple’s disease” because it impacts spouses and partners who serve as caregivers.
Even low-risk prostate cancer treatment can have major side effects that can affect dignity and sexual life. A new first-of-its-kind survey of over 1100 caregivers shows the extent to which prostate cancer takes its toll not only on patients but also on partners of patients. Listen to learn about some of the results from this study.
Related Episodes:
- Our Entire Cancer Series – Everything You wanted to know about cancer, but didn’t have anyone to ask!
- S1E23: Support Groups
- S1E08: Receiving Bad News
References:
- Fighting for Your Life is Boring: A poem | Andrew’s View of the Week
- Europa Oumo: “Prostate Cancer Partners Not Getting the Information They Need.” The Unknowns Challenge Prostate Cancer Patient Partners
- What Is Prostate Cancer? | Types of Prostate Cancer | American Cancer Society
Resources:
- EU-ProPER_booklet_Dec24_single_pages.pdf
- The Unknowns Challenge Prostate Cancer Patient Partners
- ACS CancerRisk360
Recipe of the Week: Shout Hallelujah Potato Salad
This week we travel to South Carolina to learn about some interesting traditions and find our recipe of the week. We’re pretty sure you’ll agree it’s a winner and perfect for your next get-together!
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https://blog.feedspot.com/palliative_care_podcasts/
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