What is cancer of the prostate?

Prostate cancer is a cancer that starts in the prostate gland. Cancer causes cells in the body to change and grow out of control. Most types of cancer form a lump or a growth called a tumor. If there is a cancerous tumor in the prostate, a man may not know it. Most cases of prostate cancer develop very slowly. However, in some men, it can grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body.

Other than skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men. The American Cancer Society’s estimates for prostate cancer in the United States for 2013 are that about 238,590 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed, about 29,720 men will die of prostate cancer and about 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.

Prostate cancer occurs mainly in older men. Nearly 2/3 are diagnosed in men aged 65 or older, and it is rare before age 40. The average age at the time of diagnosis is about 67. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. About 1 in 36 men will die of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer can be a serious disease, but most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it. In fact, more than 2.5 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today. For statistics related to survival, see: Survival Rates for Prostate Cancer

While the exact causes of prostate cancer are not known, certain risk factors have been linked to prostate cancer. A risk factor is something that increases a person's chance of getting a disease. Aging is the greatest risk factor for prostate cancer. Family history also plays a role. If a man's father or brother has cancer of the prostate, his risk is 2 to 3 times greater than average. Diet may also be a factor. Men who eat large amounts of animal fat, particularly fats from red meat, may face a greater risk of prostate cancer than men who eat less animal fat.

Often, there are no symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer. If symptoms do occur, they can vary, depending on the size and exact location of the lump or the growth in the prostate. Since the prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen, any change in the prostate can cause problems with urination and ejaculation. However, similar symptoms can be caused by a number of things, including an infection or a non-cancerous condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Some symptoms related to prostate cancer are difficulty in starting urination, weak or interrupted flow of urine, pain during urination, blood in urine or semen, frequent urination (especially at night or while sleeping), painful ejaculation and continual pain in the back, hips or pelvis area.

If your health care provider finds something suspicious, more tests may be needed. Often, the problem may be just an enlarged prostate or a simple infection. Further tests, including urinalysis, blood tests, X-rays, ultrasound or a biopsy, may help diagnose your problem. Your health care provider may refer you to an urologist or other specialists for some of these tests and for any needed treatments.

You should get a second opinion before undergoing any treatment. Second opinions are covered under most health insurance plans in New York State, including Medicare and Medicaid. Seek advice from a specialist (urologist, surgeon, radiologist or oncologist) who has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

Not all treatments work for everyone. However, you have the right to know all the choices you have and to play an active part in treatment decisions.

Additional information is available to the public through the American Cancer Society 1-800-ACS-2345 and the National Cancer Institute's (NCI) Cancer Information Service 1-800-4-CANCER. Many communities offer prostate cancer education and support programs that can provide you with help as you make your decisions and undergo treatment.

The earlier prostate cancer is detected, the more options that are available. Surgery, radiation therapy (either external beam or internal seed implants), hormone therapy or some combination of these are all commonly used. Depending on your age and condition, and your wishes, your health care provider may recommend only that you be watched and tested several times a year. Some urologists feel that, for men over age 70, the risks of surgery or radiation treatment outweigh any benefits. Therefore, they recommend "watchful waiting". If you are younger and in good health, your health care provider will be more likely to recommend that the cancer be treated. Any treatment may have side effects. Talk with your health care providers about your treatment options. Make sure you understand the risks, benefits and chances of success.

Although the causes of prostate cancer are not completely known or understood, several factors have been shown to possibly increase the risks of developing the disease. Some of these risk factors include age, race and family history. Also included as a risk factor is a poor diet, generally high in fats and low in fruits and vegetables.