What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is the presence of cancerous cells in the prostate.
Cancerous cells, wherever they’re found in the body, are the result of a genetic
mutation, or change. This mutation causes cells to reproduce more rapidly
than usual, and the mutated cells do not die off in a normal period of time.
In many cases, these cancerous cells form solid growths or tumors that
can spread from the prostate to other parts of the body. As cancerous cells grow
and spread, they can damage or interfere with the function of organs in the body,
causing a variety of symptoms.
Who gets prostate cancer?
Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, prostate cancer is by far the most common cancer
among men. In fact, 1 in every 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some
point in their lives. And the risk of prostate cancer goes up with age. More than
65% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65.
The American Cancer Society estimated that there would be more than 192,280 new
cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in the United States, and that about 27,360 men
would die of prostate cancer in 2009.
What is the prostate?
The prostate is a walnut-shaped organ that surrounds the base of the urethra. A
type of organ known as a
gland, the prostate produces a milky fluid that provides nutrient to a man’s
semen and is discharged into the urethra at the time of semen emission. Though other
types of cells are found in the prostate, it’s the gland cells that give rise to
99% of prostate cancers.
An organ exclusive to men, the prostate develops when signaled to by the male hormones,
especially
testosterone. Prostate growth slows around age 20. But a second growth period
often kicks in around age 45, as cells in the middle of the prostate start to reproduce
more rapidly than normal. This growth may result in a condition called benign prostatic
hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate.
How does the prostate gland work?
One of the prostate’s main roles is to provide part of the fluid necessary for ejaculation.
This milky-white fluid in semen provides nutrients to the sperm so that they can
survive long enough to fertilize an egg, or ovum.
The prostate is not part of the urinary system, but because it surrounds the urethra
and sits directly below the bladder, it can cause urinary problems. That's why your
primary doctor will often refer you to a
urologist—a physician who specializes in the urinary system and male
reproductive system—if you are experiencing prostate problems or prostate
disease symptoms.
Prostate health.
The best protection against letting prostate cancer grow and cause problems is to
have regular medical checkups that include a careful prostate exam.
Men should also see a doctor promptly if symptoms occur such as:
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
- Dribbling of urine
- Inability to urinate
- Weak or interrupted urine stream
- Pain or burning during urination
- Trouble keeping an erection
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in urine or semen
- Frequent pain in the lower back, hips, or ribs
During your routine doctor visit, there are a number of tests he or she might use
to determine the health of your prostate. The most common procedures are the Digital
Rectal Exam (DRE) and the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test.
What are the stages of prostate
cancer?
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