Prostate Cancer

1. What is the prostate?
2. What is prostate cancer?
3. How common is prostate cancer?
4. What causes prostate cancer?
5. What are common symptoms of prostate cancer?
6. How is prostate cancer detected?
7. What is Prostate Cancer staging?
8. What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?
9. Who treats prostate cancer?
10. How do I cope with prostate cancer?
11. How can I receive more information on prostate cancer?

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1. What is the prostate?

   The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system. It produces fluid for semen, which transports sperm during the male orgasm.

   Normally, the prostate is quite small — it is nearly the same size and shape as a walnut. It is located in front of the rectum, just below the bladder, and wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the tip of the penis. The prostate is made up of approximately 30% muscular tissue; the rest is glandular tissue.

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2. What is prostate cancer?

   Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that begins growing in the prostate gland. Early prostate cancer usually does not cause any symptoms.

   As the tumor grows, it may spread from one part of the prostate to surrounding areas.

   Prostate cancer can spread from the prostate to nearby lymph nodes, and to distant sites such as the spine, ribs, or other bones. This spread is called metastasis. For example, as a result of metastasis to the spine, some men experience back pain.

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3. How common is prostate cancer?

   Over 200,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed annually in the U.S.

   More than 70% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over age 65. Men with family history (first-degree relatives, ie, father, brother) have shown up to an 11-fold increase in the risk of developing prostate cancer.

   Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men. Among African-American men, the prostate cancer death rate is nearly 2.5 times higher than in Caucasian men. Because of additional mortality risk, earlier screening is recommended for African-American men.

   According to the American Cancer Society, men aged 50 and older, and those over the age of 45 who are in high-risk groups, such as African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer, should have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE) once every year.

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4. What causes prostate cancer?

   While researchers still do not know the exact answer to this question, they have identified some risk factors. The most well-established risk factors for prostate cancer are age, ethnicity, and family history.

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5. What are common symptoms of prostate cancer?

   Early stages of prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms. However, men with more advanced disease may experience urinary symptoms such as:

   • Interruption of urinary flow (stopping and starting)
   • Inability to urinate
   • Difficulty starting or stopping urination
   • Frequent urination (especially at night)
   • Blood in the urine
   • Pain or burning during urination

   In addition, symptoms such as pain in the lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs may be an indication of metastatic prostate cancer.

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6. How is prostate cancer detected?

   Determining whether you have prostate cancer generally involves a series of steps. Your physician will first ask you questions about your medical history and any symptoms you may be having.

   Next, your physician will most likely perform a digital rectal examination (DRE) by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the size and texture of your prostate.

   A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, used in addition to DRE, increases the likelihood of cancer detection if present. A PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen, a substance produced by the prostate cells, in the blood. A high level of PSA in the blood can be a warning sign that prostate cancer may be present.

   Finally, the results of either or both tests (DRE and PSA) may suggest the need for a biopsy. Only a biopsy can definitively confirm the presence of prostate cancer.

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7. What is Prostate Cancer staging?

   Staging is the assessment of the size and location of prostate cancer (that is, how far the cancer has already spread). Staging is necessary for the patient and doctor to decide what type of treatment is most appropriate.

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8. What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?

   Your treatment options will depend on several factors, including the expected benefits and risks of each treatment, as well as the stage of your cancer.

   The treatment options for prostate cancer include hormonal therapy, surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and watchful waiting (observation).

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9. Who treats prostate cancer?

   Your doctor may refer you to a urologist, a doctor who specializes in disorders of the urinary system and the male reproductive system. In some cases, a patient may be referred to an oncologist, a specialist in the treatment of cancer, for additional consultation.

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10. How do I cope with prostate cancer?

    You may want to speak to your physician to learn if there are support groups in your area. Additionally, some of the organizations listed in our Patient Resources section can put you in contact with prostate cancer support groups.

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11. How can I receive more information on prostate cancer?

    Ask your doctor and please visit our Patient Resources section for a list of prostate cancer-related links on the web.

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