How Long Can You Live With Untreated Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a serious concern for men worldwide, and a diagnosis can bring with it a whirlwind of questions and anxieties.
Forms of prostate cancer Localised prostate cancer: Cancer that is confined to the prostate gland. Regional prostate cancer: Cancer that has spread outside the prostate to nearby structures or lymph nodes. Distant prostate cancer: Cancer that has spread to other organs of the body (e.g., bones, liver, lungs). |
Among the most pressing are often: “How long can you live with cancer untreated?” and “Is prostate cancer curable?”
These are crucial questions, and understanding the nuances of untreated prostate cancer is important.
While some forms of prostate cancer may grow slowly and may not immediately pose a life-threatening risk, leaving any cancer untreated carries significant risks.
We will explore the realities of untreated prostate cancer, discuss factors influencing survival, and highlight why seeking expert medical attention is paramount.
The unseen threat: Why untreated prostate cancer is a serious concern
It’s natural to wonder, “Can you survive prostate cancer without intervention?” The answer is complex, but relying on a “wait and see” approach without medical guidance can be perilous.
Prostate cancer, if left to its own devices, can progress. This progression results in severe health complications and a significantly reduced quality of life.
Here’s what can happen if prostate cancer goes untreated:
- Spread to bones (metastasis): One of the most common sites for prostate cancer to spread is the bones, particularly the spine, hips, and pelvis. This can cause excruciating pain, bone fractures, and even paralysis.
- Urinary obstruction: As the tumour in the prostate gland grows, it can press on the urethra (the tube carrying urine from the bladder), causing urinary difficulties, including retention and kidney problems.
- Spread to other organs: While initially less common, untreated prostate cancer may spread to distant organs like the lungs and liver, hindering the treatment and negatively impacting prognosis.
- Increased pain and discomfort: As the disease advances, patients may experience persistent pain in the hips, pelvis and legs thereby impacting mobility and overall well-being.
- Fatigue and weight loss: Advanced prostate cancer can lead to extreme tiredness (fatigue) and unintentional weight loss, further diminishing quality of life.
Is prostate cancer curable? The power of early detection
The question, “Is prostate cancer curable?” is best answered with a resounding “yes” for many men, especially when detected in its early stages. Early diagnosis dramatically boosts the chances of successful treatment and long-term survival.
Prostate cancer often grows slowly, and in its initial stages, it rarely presents noticeable symptoms. This is why regular screening is crucial, including PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood tests and digital rectal examinations (DRE).
Detecting the cancer before it has spread beyond the prostate gland offers the widest range of effective treatment options and the highest likelihood of a cure.
How long can you live with cancer untreated? Factors influencing survival
The exact answer to “How long can you live with cancer untreated?” is highly individual and depends on several critical factors:
- Stage of cancer at diagnosis: This is arguably the most significant factor.
- Localised: For localised prostate cancer, if detected promptly and is slow-growing, many men can live for many years without significant symptoms, with a 5-year relative survival rate of >99% in the UK.
- Regional: If the cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes, the 5-year relative survival rate remains high, often >99%.
- Distant (Metastatic): When the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, the prognosis is considerably poorer. The 5-year relative survival rate for distant prostate cancer is approximately 37%.
- Aggressiveness (Gleason Score): Prostate cancer is graded using a Gleason score, which determines how aggressive the cancer cells appear under a microscope. Higher Gleason scores suggest more aggressive tumours that tend to grow and spread quickly, thus reducing survival time if untreated.
- Overall health and co-morbidities: A patient’s general health and the presence of other medical conditions (like heart disease or diabetes) can influence their body’s ability to cope with cancer and its progression.
- Age at diagnosis: While prostate cancer is more common in older men, age can also be a factor in treatment decisions and overall prognosis.
- PSA level: Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels can indicate the extent and activity of the cancer.
It is of utmost importance to understand that these statistics are averages. A major factor in your success will be your specific needs and circumstances, including how the body reacts to the illness and any symptoms or problems.
Hence, the question “How long can you live with cancer untreated?” is one that demands thorough medical assistance.
Can you survive prostate cancer? The role of treatment
Advancements in prostate cancer treatment have dramatically improved survival rates. When asked, “Can you survive prostate cancer?”, the answer is often positive with the right treatment plan. Treatment options aim to either cure the disease or control its progression, alleviate symptoms, and improve quality of life.
Modern treatment approaches for prostate cancer include:
- Active surveillance: For very low-risk, slow-growing cancers, some men may opt for active surveillance, where the cancer is closely monitored without immediate aggressive treatment. This is a carefully managed approach, not an absence of care.
- Surgery (Radical Prostatectomy): Surgical removal of the prostate gland is a common and highly effective treatment for localised prostate cancer.
- Radiotherapy: Deploying high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells, radiotherapy can be external (from outside the body) or internal (brachytherapy, where radioactive seeds are implanted).
- Hormone therapy: Reduces the male hormones (androgens), particularly testosterone, which fuel prostate cancer growth. It can slow progression, but typically does not cure the cancer on its own.
- Chemotherapy: Often used for advanced or metastatic prostate cancer, chemotherapy uses medications to break down cancer cells throughout the body.
- Other targeted therapies: Newer therapies are constantly emerging, targeting specific aspects of cancer cell growth.
Choosing the best treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, its aggressiveness, your overall health, and your personal preferences. A team of trusted experts, including urologists, oncologists, and specialist nurses, will work together to develop a personalised treatment plan.
Your Frequently Asked Questions - Answered.
Yes, prostate cancer is often curable, especially when detected in its early, localised stages through timely screening and diagnosis.
While some slow-growing prostate cancers may progress very slowly, leaving any cancer untreated carries risks, and the long-term prognosis is unpredictable without medical management.
Survival with prostate cancer that has spread is still possible, but treatment focuses on controlling the disease, managing symptoms, and extending life rather than a cure.
Untreated prostate cancer can lead to spread to bones, severe pain, urinary problems, and a significantly reduced quality of life.
A high Gleason score indicates a more aggressive prostate cancer, meaning it is likely to grow and spread more quickly, thus reducing survival time if left untreated.
No, active surveillance is a carefully monitored approach for very low-risk prostate cancer, involving regular tests and check-ups, and is distinct from leaving cancer untreated.
Get the help you need - Consult Dr Muthana Alrawi today
Understanding “How long can you live with cancer untreated?” and “Is prostate cancer curable?” requires expert guidance.
If you have been diagnosed with prostate cancer or if you are experiencing symptoms, seek professional medical advice as soon as possible.
Dr Muthana Alrawi delivers cutting-edge care for prostate cancer with accurate diagnosis, personalised treatment plans, and unwavering support.
Don’t leave your health to chance. Book an appointment today.