Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. At the same time, due to the world’s growing population and increasing average life expectancy, the likelihood of developing this disease is steadily rising.  Although it is most commonly seen in men over the age of 50, Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol, drawing on more than 20 years of experience in prostate cancer, has noted that “diagnoses are also being made in younger patients, and tumors in these patients may be more aggressive.”

Prostate cancer, which results from the uncontrolled growth of cells in the prostate gland, often does not cause symptoms in its early stages but can progress insidiously and eventually lead to metastasis. For this reason, regular screening and early diagnosis are crucial for managing the disease.

Benign prostate enlargement and prostate cancer must be clearly distinguished from one another. Men over the age of 50 (or 45 if there is a family history of prostate cancer) should definitely be screened, whether or not they have symptoms.

In prostate cancer;

  • The diagnosis can be made based solely on elevated PSA levels in the blood, even in the absence of any symptoms.
  • Urinary problems are among the most common symptoms of prostate cancer. However, these symptoms can also occur in other prostate conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The most common symptoms are as follows:
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Weak urine flow or intermittent urination
  • Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
  • A sudden feeling of tightness
  • A feeling that the bladder hasn't completely emptied after urinating
  • Blood in the urine or semen (hematuria or hematospermia)
  • Pain is not a common symptom of prostate cancer. In advanced stages of the disease, particularly in patients with bone metastases, pain may develop in the back, hip, or pelvic region. This type of pain is often chronic and must be distinguished from ordinary lower back pain. There may even be limited mobility or difficulty walking.
  • Erectile dysfunction (erection problems) can also be a rare symptom, but it usually appears in more advanced stages or during treatment. In addition, general systemic symptoms such as weight loss, fatigue, and loss of appetite may be observed in patients with advanced-stage disease.

As Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol has previously stated, the presence of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has prostate cancer; they may also be caused by conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is important to consult a urologist if such symptoms are noticed.

In the diagnosis of prostate cancer, the PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test, digital rectal examination (DRE), and, in recent years, MRI imaging of the prostate are of critical importance. Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol emphasizes that “these tests must be interpreted on a case-by-case basis, as the same results can lead to different outcomes in patients of different ages and risk groups.”

Following a detailed evaluation, a prostate biopsy—performed using ultrasound or, if possible, preferably MRI—is the primary diagnostic tool in suitable patients.

As a result, prostate cancer can often progress without causing any symptoms. For this reason, men over the age of 50 (or 45 for those with a family history) are advised to undergo regular prostate screenings. With early diagnosis, prostate cancer can become a completely curable disease.