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Prostate cancer
starts in the prostate gland, which is a small, walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system. The prostate produces and stores fluid that makes up part of the semen. The prostate gland wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. Most prostate cancers are slow growing, and if caught early are completely curable. However, the cancer cells may metastasize (spread to other organs,) particularly the bones and lymph nodes, and occasionally become more aggressive. Prostate cancer is most common in men over the age of 50. Many of those afflicted, however, may eventually die of other causes. This is because prostate cancer is usually very slow-growing, has no symptoms, and older men often die of unrelated problems, such as heart disease, unrelated cancers or old age.
Since early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms, it is often therefore diagnosed during a routine checkup in men over 50 with the workup for an elevated PSA (prostate specific antigen.) Prostate cancer is typically then confirmed by taking a biopsy of the prostate. Further tests, such as CT scans and bone scans, may be performed to determine whether prostate cancer has spread. The age and underlying health of the patient, along with response to initial treatment, are important in determining the outcome of the disease. Whether or not to even treat the disease is often a “patient trade-off” in which the expected beneficial and harmful effects in terms of patient survival and quality of life are taken into consideration. Treatment options for prostate cancer primarily include surgery, radiation therapy and proton therapy. Other treatments, including chemotherapy also exist, depending on the extent of the cancer and the desired outcome.
Symptoms of prostate cancer often include:
Frequent urination
Increased urination at night
Difficulty starting and maintaining a steady stream of urine
Blood in the urine
Painful urination
Prostate cancer may also cause problems with sexual function and performance, such as difficulty achieving and erection.
The cause of prostate cancer is not known, although there are certain primary risk factors, including age and family history. Prostate cancer is very rare in men younger than 45. This risk appears to be greater for men with an affected brother than for men with an affected father. Diet appears to play a role. High alcohol intake may increase the risk of prostate cancer and interfere with foliate metabolism. Low foliate intake and high alcohol intake may increase the risk of prostate cancer to a greater extent than the sole effect of either one by itself.
Men who have a possible higher risk of developing prostate cancer include:
African-American men
Men who are older than 60
Farmers
Tire plant workers
Painters
Men who have been exposed to cadmium
The lowest number of cases occurs in Japanese men and those who do not eat meat(vegetarians.)
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