Men's Health
The greatest gift you can give your family and the world is a healthy you.
Prostate Cancer
Cancer of the prostate, like many other cancers, is a result of abnormal cell growth that forms a mass of tissue called a tumor. Once started, cancer can spread — or metastasize — as cells break away from the mass and move through the body through blood vessels or the lymphatic system. Men with prostate cancer do not necessarily have symptoms. That is why it is important to have an annual prostate cancer screening as part of your routine healthcare.
When symptoms occur, the most common are:
- Difficult urination
- Inability to urinate
- Weak urine stream
- Frequent urination
- Burning feeling or pain during urination
- Pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs
Ganesh S. Rao, M.D., F.A.C.S., on Prostate Cancer
These symptoms can also be caused by a variety of other conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should consult your urologist for diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.
Causes
The exact cause of prostate cancer is not known, but it is most common among men age 65 and older. It is also more likely to occur in men who have a family history of prostate cancer, which indicates that genetic factors play some part. Prostate cancer is found more often in African-American men than in white men, and is more likely to occur in white men than in men of Asian or Hispanic descent. The reasons for this are unknown. Men should be checked for prostate cancer annually beginning at age 50. African-Americans and men with a family history of prostate cancer should begin screening earlier, around age 40.
Diagnosis
Because prostate cancer often has no symptoms, routine screening is the key to early detection and treatment. Cancer found while the tumor is still small and localized has a much better chance of being treated successfully.
Treatment
Prostate cancer is described by grade and by stage. The grade, based on the appearance of the tumor cells, predicts how fast the tumor will grow and spread. Stage refers to the extent of the disease, or how much it has spread. Imaging tests such as a bone scan, CT scan or MRI are usually used to show whether or not the cancer has spread (metastasized). Many treatment options are available, and you and your doctor will decide on a treatment plan based on factors such as your age, type of tumor, stage of the cancer, your symptoms and your basic state of health. Usual treatments include: Surgery to remove all of the prostate by Da Vinci Robotic Prostatectomy . HIFU surgery, which is the use of high intensity focused ultrasound to heat and destroy targeted prostatic tissue without bothering healthy surrounding tissue. Radiation therapy, which may be used instead of surgery for early-stage cancer or after surgery to destroy any remaining cancerous cells. The usual method is an external beam of radiation directed at the cancerous area. Another option is internal radiation, or brachytherapy, in which radioactive “seeds” are implanted directly into the prostate. Occasionally, certain older men with early stage, low-grade prostate cancer may elect to watch and wait and be followed carefully to assure that the cancer is not growing significantly.
FAQ
What are some of the risk factors for prostate cancer?
Risk is greatest in men over age 50, and in those with a family history of prostate cancer. African-American men also have a higher risk of developing this disease. There is also some evidence that obesity and/or a diet high in fat can increase risk.
Does prostatitis or enlarged prostate lead to cancer?
No. Patients with prostatitis or enlarged prostate (BPH) are not at higher risk for prostate cancer. However, early symptoms of BPH are similar to those of prostate cancer and should be evaluated promptly so that cancer can be ruled out.
Can prostate cancer be diagnosed before symptoms appear?
Yes. In fact, most prostate cancers are diagnosed as a result of routine health screenings, which include a digital rectal exam and PSA test. Today, 90 percent of prostate cancers are detected early due to these tests.
Are there any steps I can take to help prevent prostate cancer?
Little can be done to prevent prostate cancer, but there are some steps that may promote prostate health in general:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce your intake of fat, especially animal fat
- Maintain a moderate level of exercise and physical activity
- Regular ejaculation also appears to contribute to prostate health