Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is an uncontrolled (malignant) growth of cells in the prostate gland (a male sex gland).

The prostate gland is located at the base of the bladder and surrounds the passage (urethra) through which urine from the bladder exits the penis. It produces fluids that form part of semen in order to protect sperm. The normal prostate gland is the size of a walnut in a young man and enlarges with age.

Prostate cancer, unlike many other forms of cancer, tends to be slow growing.

Does prostate cancer spread to other parts of the body?

Eventually it can spread to other organs and tissues, including the bones.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Early prostate cancer usually has no symptoms and can be difficult to diagnose. Symptoms of more advanced disease include, weak or interrupted urine flow, frequent urination, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or semen, pain or burning on urination, impotence.

Prostate cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body, especially the bones of the hip and cause lower back pain. However, back pain can also be caused by many other conditions so experiencing it doesn’t necessarily mean you have prostate cancer.

What causes prostate cancer?
No one knows exactly what causes prostate cancer. Some conditions and factors may make you more likely to develop the disease.

Family History: genetics can play a role. Approximately one in ten cases may be influenced by heredity. If your father or brother suffered from prostate cancer, you may have an increased risk of developing it yourself.
Age: is the most important factor in prostate cancer risk. The older you are the more likely you are to develop cancer of the prostate.
Geography/Race: African-Americans are almost twice as likely to develop prostate cancer as White Americans. Afro-Caribbean's may also be at increased risk. Prostate cancer is rare in the Far East.
Diet: fatty foods (especially those high in saturated fat) and red meat may increase the risk, whereas vegetables including tomatoes may decrease the risk.

How do you get Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. It develops from cells within the gland. Risk factors include age; 75% of cases are in men over 65 years. There are more cases in western countries and 10% of cases can be linked to a person’s family history. Dietary and other factors in the environment are also linked to prostate cancer.

• The exact cause of prostate cancer, like many cancers, is not known.
• Doctors know, however, that the growth of the cancer is dependent on the male sex hormone testosterone. 
• A hormone is a chemical signal that is released by various glands in the body, carried in the blood, and which then controls the function of other organs, for example, their growth.
• Hormones can also control the growth of cancer cells as well and this is what testosterone does in prostate cancer.

How serious is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a serious condition and can be life-threatening because it can spread to other parts of the body in its advanced stages. It mainly affects men above the age of 50 years. Because many prostate tumors are slow growing, survival rates are excellent when the disease is detected in its early stages.

Normal prostate enlargement is not cancerous and is referred to as benign prostatic hypertrophy. Both benign prostatic hypertrophy and cancer of the prostate can press upon the urethra, leading to difficulty with urination.

How long does Prostate Cancer last?

Prostate cancer usually occurs after the age of 50 years in most cases. It is rare in younger persons and tends to be most frequent around 65 years of age. Once it develops it is present for life and when detected, it should be treated quickly since a successful outcome is then more likely.

How is Prostate Cancer treated?

There are many treatment options for prostate cancer. The most appropriate treatment is primarily determined by the stage and aggressiveness (how quickly it is growing and spreading) of the disease when it is discovered. The choice of treatment should also take into account the needs and wishes of the patient. The main therapies for prostate cancer are:

• Surgical removal of the prostate gland (called a prostatectomy) 
• Radiotherapy
• Medications or measures to reduce or eliminate the effects of testosterone on the prostate cancer. For example, drugs that block the production of testosterone or blocks its effects, or removal of the testicles. These measures can be used with other forms of treatment.
• Sometimes, chemotherapy is used.
  

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