Prostate Cancer
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is an abnormal growth of cell in the prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland located in the male reproductive system. It’s the most common cancer found in men in the United States and develops more often in older men. Early diagnosis is key to a successful treatment and improving outlook.
What Causes Prostate Cancer?
The exact cause of prostate cancer is still unknown, but there are some established risk factors.
- Age: Prostate cancer is most common in men over 50.
- Ethnicity: African-American and Caribbean men, and men of Danish and Swedish ancestry are at increased risk.
- Family History: If a parent or brother has had prostate cancer, you are more likely to develop it.
- Diet: Those who eat a high-fat, low-fiber, and high-meat diet are more likely to develop prostate cancer.
- Infection: Prostate infections can increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Early stages of prostate cancer often show no signs or symptoms. As the cancer progresses, men may experience:
- Difficulty starting or difficulty continuing a steady stream of urine
- Weak, interrupted, or burning urination
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Increased urgency or frequency of urination
- Painful, burning, or uncomfortable urination
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Discomfort in the pelvic area or lower back
Treatments for Prostate Cancer
Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of cancer and may include:
- Active Monitoring/Watchful Waiting: This is used for slow-growing cancers that do not cause symptoms. It requires the patient to have frequent medical exams to monitor the cancer.
- Surgery: The entire prostate gland is removed in a surgery known as a prostatectomy. Surgery is often used for localized cancers that have not spread.
- Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy is used to destroy cancer cells, and may be used in combination with surgery and other treatments. It can be administered externally or internally.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is used to kill cancerous cells and can also be used in combination with other treatments. It is most often used in the late stages of cancer.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy works by helping the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments.