Prostate Cancer Symptoms: Early Detection Saves Lives

Prostate Cancer Symptoms: Early Detection Saves Lives

Prostate cancer is the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in men worldwide. In Turkey, approximately 17,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer each year. Regular screening is vital for men over 50 living in Izmir and the Aegean Region.

Prof. Dr. Orçun Çelik performs advanced surgical techniques for prostate cancer treatment using the da Vinci robotic surgical system at Izmir Bazekol Hospital. The treatment success rate for early-diagnosed prostate cancer exceeds 95%.

What is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate gland is a walnut-sized organ located just below the bladder that surrounds the urethra. Prostate cancer develops when cells in this gland multiply uncontrollably. Although it is typically a slow-growing cancer, some cases can be aggressive and require early intervention.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Prostate cancer usually shows no symptoms in the early stages. This is why regular screening is life-saving. As the disease progresses, the following symptoms may appear:

• Frequent urination – Especially at night (nocturia), waking up 2-3 or more times
• Weak urine stream – Difficulty starting urination, thin or intermittent flow
• Blood in urine (hematuria) – Pink, red, or dark brown urine
• Painful urination (dysuria) – Burning or stinging sensation during urination
• Painful ejaculation – Blood may appear in semen
• Lower back and hip pain – Chronic pain when cancer spreads to bones
• Unexplained weight loss – Along with loss of appetite
• Numbness or weakness in legs – When the tumor presses on nerves

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

• Age: Risk increases significantly after 50. Prostate cancer cells are found in 60% of men over 65.
• Family history: Men with a first-degree relative with prostate cancer have 2-3 times higher risk
• Genetics: BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations increase risk
• Diet: High-fat, red meat-heavy diets may increase risk
• Obesity: Increases risk of aggressive prostate cancer

Diagnosis: PSA Test and Beyond

• PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Blood Test: Measures PSA levels in blood. Normal value is generally below 4 ng/mL.
• Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): Physical evaluation of prostate size and surface
• Multiparametric Prostate MRI: Detailed imaging with PI-RADS scoring system
• Fusion (MR-US) Biopsy: Precise tissue sampling guided by MRI-ultrasound fusion
• Gleason Score: Determines cancer aggressiveness (6-10 scale)

When Should PSA Testing Begin?

• From age 50: All men should have annual PSA screening
• From age 45: If there is family history of prostate cancer
• From age 40: BRCA2 gene mutation carriers

Prostate Cancer Treatment in Izmir: Robotic Prostatectomy

Prof. Dr. Orçun Çelik performs robotic radical prostatectomy using the da Vinci robotic surgical system in Izmir. This method is the gold standard for prostate cancer treatment.

• 3D HD visualization: Up to 10x magnification with millimetric precision
• Nerve-sparing technique: Preservation of erectile nerves and sexual function
• Minimally invasive: 5-6 small incisions, significantly less pain than open surgery
• Less blood loss: Minimal transfusion requirements
• Fast recovery: 1-2 days hospitalization, return to daily activities in 2-3 weeks
• Continence preservation: Early recovery of urinary control

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prostate cancer fatal?
When diagnosed early, prostate cancer treatment success exceeds 95%. In slow-growing forms, the vast majority of patients complete their normal lifespan.

Does elevated PSA definitely mean cancer?
No. Elevated PSA can be caused by prostatitis (infection), benign enlargement (BPH), or cancer. Definitive diagnosis requires biopsy.

Is sexual function preserved after prostate cancer surgery?
With nerve-sparing robotic surgery, erectile function can be preserved in a significant proportion of patients. Recovery typically takes 3-12 months.