In the past, you believed that only men have prostates, so it may come as a surprise when you hear questions like, Can a woman have prostate cancer? Well, the prostate is a male sex gland, however, the reality is that women can get prostate cancer too, though it is very, very rare.
This article will explain it and focus on the symptoms, treatments, and how to prevent prostate cancer in women.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a disease in which some prostate cells can grow abnormally; prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer that affects over 1 million men every year. This cancer mostly affects older men, and the probability of developing the disease rises with age.
The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown; however, risks associated with the development of this cancer include family history, age, and race, among several other things.
Can A Woman Have Prostate Cancer?
Because women do not have a prostate as is natural in men, they cannot get prostate cancer in the same manner. But the Skene’s glands are vulnerable to cancer, and some experts call it “female prostate cancer.”
These glands situated in the urethra help in the production of a certain fluid involved in sexual activities. As the secreting glands are considerably smaller and less developed than the Skene’s glands in the male, they can still be susceptible to cancerous growths.
Symptoms of Female Prostate Cancer
Female prostate cancer is not so common; however, here are symptoms every woman should take note of:
1. Pelvic pain
One of the most recognizable signs of the disease in women is pelvic pain. You may notice a minor or stabbing pain in the pelvic region and experience constant pain that does not go away; you should see a doctor immediately.
- Difficulty urinating
Another symptom of female prostate cancer is difficulty urinating. This can include pain or burning during urination and frequent urination.
- Blood in the urine
Blood in the urine, also known as hematuria, can be a sign of female prostate cancer. Although it could be a sign of another ailment, you must visit the clinic for proper screening.
- Pain during sexual intercourse
Female prostate cancer can also lead to dyspareunia, which is pain during intercourse. This can present itself as a stabbing or burning sensation in the pelvis while having sex or after sex.
- Frequent urinary tract infections
Some of the complications that may occur in women with female prostate cancer include urinary tract infections. In women, it is always wise to look for other causes of recurrent urinary tract infections, especially if there is no known reason, as this could be a sign of female prostate cancer.
- Changes in bowel habits
However, it is somewhat unusual; some of the women who are affected may notice changes in their bowel habits. This may be in the form of constipation or diarrhea.
- Swelling in the pelvic area
Occasionally, this female prostate cancer leads to swelling in the region of the pelvis. The person may notice that the pelvic region is a bit swollen.
How to diagnose prostate cancer in women
To diagnose prostate cancer in women, doctors use different methods. Below are the methods:
1. Biopsy
The most common method of identifying prostate cancer in women is using a biopsy. This involves collecting a small tissue sample from the prostate gland to examine it under the microscope to find out if cancer is present or not.
If you have a family history of prostate cancer or you are experiencing symptoms such as frequent urination or pain in the pelvic area, your doctor may recommend a biopsy to rule out cancer.
- Physical examination
In a routine examination, your doctor will check if there are lumps or abnormalities in the pelvic area. They may also perform a digital rectal exam to check for abnormality of the prostate or enlargement of the gland. When you are having a physical examination, explain any worry that you have or signs you feel you are experiencing.
- Imaging tests
Sometimes imaging may be used to diagnose prostate cancer in women, and this includes ultrasound, MRI, or CT scans. These tests provide pictures of the prostate gland and nearby tissues and can help the physician figure out if there is something in the area that could be cancerous.
- Urine tests
Urine tests may also be used to diagnose female prostate cancer. Sometimes the urine is checked for prostate cancer through a protein known as prostate-specific antigen (PSA).
PSA levels are generally lower in women; nonetheless, if this may be in the test, it may be a sign of a possible problem, for which further examinations may be required.
Risk Factors of Female Prostate Cancer
However, some features can make a woman vulnerable to developing this disease. They include:
1. Age
Like in men, age is the biggest threat to prostate cancer in women as well. This type of cancer is more common in women above fifty years.
Family history
If a close relative, such as your mother, sister, or aunt, has had prostate cancer, chances are high that you too will have the disease.
2. Genetics
Some gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, have been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer in women. You need to discuss your risk if you have these mutations with your doctor.
3. Hormonal factors
Also, factors like hormonal changes can contribute to this disease among women. In addition, some medications and hormone replacement therapy also put you at a higher risk.
4. Obesity
Being overweight and obese are lifestyle factors that can increase your chance of developing prostate cancer among other types of cancer.
5. Diet
Eating too much processed foods like red meat, and saturated fats can increase the chances of prostate cancer. However, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lower your risks.
6. Physical inactivity
Another of the risk factors for prostate cancer in women includes lack of adequate exercise.
7. Environmental factors
Women who are exposed to some chemicals, for instance, pesticides or industrial pollutants, are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
Treatment Options for Female Prostate Cancer
Treatment for cancer in the Skene’s glands varies depending on the stage of the disease. Here are some key points to consider:
1. Hormone therapy
Hormones are one of the most frequently used treatments for female prostate cancer. This involves the use of drugs that reduce the secretion of hormones that give energy to cancer cells in the prostate. The hormone treatment may reduce the tumor size and the rate of the development of the disease.
- Surgery
In some circumstances, a prostatectomy that eliminates the prostate gland is needed. This can reduce the chance of the cancer growing in other organs of the body. Surgery is usually recommended for early-stage prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate gland.
- Radiation therapy
Radiotherapy involves focusing high-energy rays to have a destructive effect on known cancerous cells in the prostate. This can be done using external beam radiation, directed at the prostate from outside the body, or brachytherapy, which involves implanting radioactive “seeds” directly into the prostate. Note that using radiation therapy together with hormone therapy gives better results.
- Chemotherapy
It may be advisable to use chemotherapy for women with advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and can help to control the growth of the disease.
- Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy is a type of treatment that targets specific proteins or genes that encourage the growth and spread of cancer cells. This can help to block the signals that promote cancer growth. It could be used with other treatments like hormone therapy or chemotherapy.
How to prevent prostate cancer in females
Women do not have a prostate gland like men do, but they have small amounts of it that can turn cancerous. Then, how do women avoid developing prostate cancer? Here are a few tips to help reduce your risk:
1. Maintain a healthy weight
Obesity can raise prostate cancer risk. To prevent female prostate cancer, it is vital to eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly to keep your weight in check.
- Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
Cancer-fighting nutrition is in abundance in fruits and vegetables because they contain antioxidants and lots of vitamins. It is advisable to eat more of these foods. See how to diet as a lady.
3. Limit red and processed meats
Studies show that a diet high in red and processed meats may cause prostate cancer. It is advisable to reduce their consumption as much as possible and replace them with poultry, fish, or beans.
4. Get regular exercise
Not only is exercise good for weight management, but it also helps lower the risk of prostate cancer. According to the CDC, the minimum recommended amount of exercise for an adult is a minimum of 150 moderate-intensity minutes per week.
Read also: Can You Exercise After Botox?
Conclusion
Can a woman have prostate cancer? No, the prostate is a male-specific organ. However, women can develop tumors in tissues similar to the prostate, known as Skene’s glands, or the paraurethral glands.
These tumors imitate prostate cancer and may need the same treatment. Women with symptoms such as changes in their urinary system, pelvic pain, or blood in urine should seek medical advice for further examination.
Leave a Reply