Genitourinary Cancer: Prostate
What is Prostate Cancer?
The prostate is a gland only found in men. It is about the size of a walnut and is just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The urethra, which carries urine, runs through the prostate. The gland contains cells that make some of the seminal fluid that protect and nourish sperm.
There are several different cell types in the prostate, however, nearly all prostate cancers start in the gland cells. This type of cancer is known as adenocarcinoma.
How many men get prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in American men, other than skin cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that more than 230,000 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States this year alone. Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in men, following lung cancer and colorectal cancer. An increase in education and early detection has reduced the number of mortalities, yet approximately 1 in 34 men who are diagnosed will die of this disease.
Possible signs of prostate cancer include the following:
- weak or interrupted flow of urine
- frequent urination
- trouble urinating
- pain or burning during urination
- blood in the urine or semen
- a pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn’t go away
- painful ejaculation
What causes prostate cancer?
There are no known exact causes of prostate cancer, however, there are certain risk factors linked to the disease. The following factors can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
- Age: The risk of developing prostate cancer increases as a man gets older. Approximately two out of every three prostate cancers are found in men over the age of 65.
- Race: Prostate cancer is more common among African-American men and they are twice as likely to die of the disease. Prostate cancer occurs less often in Asian men than in Caucasians.
- Nationality: Prostate cancer is more common in North America and northwestern Europe.
- Family history: Men with close family members (father or brother) who have had prostate cancer more than double their risk of developing the disease.
- Diet: Men who eat a lot of red meat or high-fat dairy products appear to have a slightly higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
- Exercise: Although most studies have not shown a direct link between exercise and reducing a man’s risk of prostate cancer, one recent study from Harvard School of Public Health has found that men over the age of 65 who exercised vigorously had a lower rate of prostate cancer.
Some people are at an increased risk for cancer because of changes to their DNA. Our DNA makes up our genes and controls how cells behave. There is evidence that a small percentage (between 5% to 10%) of prostate cancers are linked to changes in DNA. Prostate cancer has also been linked to high levels of hormones, however, more research is needed in this area.
Can prostate cancer be prevented?
Due to the fact that there is no exact cause of this disease, it is not possible to prevent a majority of prostate cancer cases. A change is one’s diet is a factor that may help in reducing a man’s risk of prostate cancer. Reducing the amount of red meat and fat and increasing vegetables, fruits, and grains is an effective way of working toward healthy eating. Consuming five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day may help lower an individual’s risk for some other types of cancer and other diseases.
How is prostate cancer found?
Prostate cancer can often be diagnosed early by testing the amount of PSA (prostate-specific antigen) in a patient’s blood. Digital rectal exams (DRE) are also another way doctors are able to check for any unusual bumps in the prostate. Annual exams enable physicians to detect potential problems at an early stage. However, these tests are not perfect and men are encouraged to talk to their doctors about testing.
The American Cancer Society recommends that doctors should offer the PSA blood test and DRE annually, beginning at age 50 to men who do not have any major medical problems. Men who are considered to be at high risk should begin testing sooner.
How is prostate cancer treated?
Treatment will be different for each and every patient. Surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy are the most common treatments for prostate cancer. It is important to discuss different options with your physician. Learn more regarding treatment options.