Nursing management of a patient with prostate cancer

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, particularly affecting those over age 65 and disproportionately impacting African American males and those with a family history of PCa. This disease often presents without early symptoms, making screening through Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Tests and digital rectal examinations vital. Additional risk factors include genetic mutations, chronic inflammation, and lifestyle factors such as diet and obesity. Treatment depends on disease stage and may include surgery, focal ablative therapy, radiotherapy, androgen deprivation therapy, and chemotherapy. Whereas early-stage PCa is often curable, advanced cases focus on controlling symptoms and improving the patient's quality of life. Nurses play a critical role in patient education, symptom management, and holistic care. This article discusses risk factors, signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, staging, treatment, and nursing management of patients with PCa.