Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces fluid that helps to nourish and transport sperm. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, after skin cancer.
Early Symptoms
In the early stages, prostate cancer often does not cause any symptoms. As the cancer grows, it can start to press on the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. This can cause problems with urination, such as:
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine
- Difficulty starting to urinate
- Straining to urinate
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Painful urination
Other possible symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
- Erectile dysfunction
- Painful ejaculation
- Painful bowel movements
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see a doctor right away. Prostate cancer is often treatable, but the earlier it is diagnosed, the better the chances of a successful outcome.
It is important to note that not all men with prostate cancer experience symptoms. Some men may have symptoms that are caused by other conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Causes
The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but there are a number of factors that may increase the risk of developing the disease, including:
- Age: Prostate cancer is most common in men over the age of 65.
- Family history: Men with a family history of prostate cancer are at an increased risk of developing the disease.
- Race: African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than Caucasian men.
- Ethnicity: Men of Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino descent are also at an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
- Diet: A diet high in red meat and processed foods may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
- Obesity: Men who are obese are at an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
- Smoking: Smoking increases the risk of developing a number of cancers, including prostate cancer.
- Radiation exposure: Exposure to radiation, such as from CT scans or X-rays, may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Prevention
There is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, but there are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercising regularly
- Not smoking
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting regular prostate exams
Prostate exams can help detect prostate cancer early, when it is most treatable.
Treatment
The treatment for prostate cancer depends on a number of factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s age and overall health, and the patient’s preferences. Treatment options may include:
Surgery: Surgery to remove the prostate gland is the most common treatment for prostate cancer.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells.
Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy lowers the levels of testosterone, a hormone that can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
The goal of treatment for prostate cancer is to cure the disease or to control it so that it does not cause any symptoms. The side effects of treatment vary depending on the type of treatment used.
Prognosis
The prognosis for prostate cancer depends on a number of factors, including the stage of the cancer, the patient’s age and overall health, and the patient’s response to treatment. The overall survival rate for prostate cancer is 99%.
If you are concerned about your risk of prostate cancer, talk to your doctor. There are a number of things you can do to reduce your risk and improve your chances of a successful outcome if you are diagnosed with the disease.
