Prostate Cancer? Here’s What You Should Know

Did you know that one in every six men are expected to be diagnosed with prostate cancer over their lifetime? It’s the most common form of cancer in men (not including skin cancer) and like heart health, it should be an important topic of discussion during Men’s Health Month. So what should you know about this disease?

First, let’s talk about the prostate itself. This gland plays an essential role in the male reproductive system. The prostate actually produces the semen, which is the fluid that carries the sperm. Where is this gland located? The walnut sized prostate is located below your bladder– right in the front of the rectum.

As men age, the prostate becomes more prone to problems. Issues like prostate enlargement are quite common in older men, although you should know that it’s not usually caused by cancer. The most common prostate problems are:

• Prostatitis – an inflamed or infected prostate
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) – an enlarged prostate
• Prostatic carcinoma – otherwise known as prostate cancer

What is Prostate Cancer?

The simple version: it’s a cancer that originates in the prostate gland.

Cancer is a disease that alters healthy cells and forces them to grow out of control. There’s a wide variety of cancers, but most eventually form a lump called a tumor. Given the location of the gland, a tumor often forms in the prostate without the person knowing it. Most cases of prostate cancer are mild and slow growing, but some aggressive cases can quickly metastasize to other parts of the body.

Are There Any Symptoms?

Unfortunately, prostate cancer often won’t produce any symptoms during the early stages. The symptoms that do manifest will vary depending on tumor size and exact location in the gland. It is possible that prostate cancer could cause some issues with urination and ejaculation. Why? The prostate surrounds your urethra (tube that carries semen and urine). However, an enlarged prostate or infection can also cause these problems.

Schedule an immediate appointment with your doctor if you start experiencing any of these symptoms:

• Pain during ejaculation
• Pain while urinating
• Weak or interrupted flow while urinating
• Blood in your urine or semen
• Chronic (uninterrupted) pain in the pelvis, back or hips

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

The exact cause of this disease is still unclear. However, studies have helped us identify the most pertinent risk factors for prostate cancer.  These include:

• Aging – Clinical studies have shown that this is the leading risk factor for prostate cancer.
• Family medical history – Did your father or other close relative develop prostate cancer? Then your risk is two to three times as great as the average man’s.
• Diet – Clinical studies have also shown that a diet rich in animal fats can increase one’s risk for prostate cancer.

How is Prostate Cancer Detected and Diagnosed?

Remember your last physical? If you’re a man over 40, then your doctor may have performed a manual prostate exam. This test may be an uncomfortable experience, but it is one of the best ways to identify unusual growths or lumps on the prostate gland. In the name of Men’s Health Month, we ask you not to fear the gloved finger probe of the rectum– it could save your life!

There’s also a blood test for prostate cancer that measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). This is a protein produced by the prostate. Higher than normal PSA levels could mean that a tumor has formed in your gland. Be sure to ask your doctor about what tests are best for you.

Please note: A high PSA level could also be caused by an enlarged or infected prostate.

What Happens if These Tests are Positive?

When doctors find something unusual, they’ll likely order another test. Most suspicious findings are caused by other prostate problems. An accurate diagnosis can be made using additional tests like:

• X rays
• Additional blood tests
• Urinalysis
• Ultrasound
• Biopsys

Your doctor may also send you to a urologist or other specialist for further testing or treatment.

What Can You Do if You’re Diagnosed with Prostate Cancer?

Being diagnosed with cancer is one of the most terrifying things a person can face, but there are some things that you should know:

1. Get a second opinion before undergoing treatment
2. Ask a specialist (radiologist, oncologist and/or urologist) who has extensive experience with prostate cancer for advice
3. Gain an understanding of all your available treatment options
4. Play an active role in your treatment decisions

For more information about how to deal with a cancer diagnosis, We’d like to provide two important numbers:

• 1-800-4-CANCER – This is the number for the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) Cancer Information Service
• 1-800-ACS-2345 – The number for the American Cancer Society

They can educate you further about prostate cancer and put you in touch with support programs in your local area.

What are the Treatment Options?

As with other forms of cancer, your treatment options will depend on the stage at which the disease is diagnosed. Commonly used prostate cancer treatments include:

• Surgery
• Hormone therapy
• Radiation therapy (either internal seed implants or an external beam)
• Combination therapy (such as surgery and radiation therapy)

Your health care provider will make different recommendations based on your overall health, age and personal wishes.

The risks of more aggressive prostate cancer treatments may outweigh the benefits for men over 70 years old. Doctors may recommend a more passive approach for these patients that involves careful monitoring and several tests a year.

Please note that the risk of side effects is present with any course of treatment. This is why it is so important that you seek to understand as much as you can about your options. You should know the risks, possible benefits and chances of success.

Here’s the simple truth: Every man faces the risk of prostate cancer to some degree because they all have a prostate gland. Ignoring this fact is the worst thing that you can do. So please keep these words in mind, make sure that you visit your doctor regularly and share this with other men in your life. Let’s work together to save more lives during Men’s Health Month this year.