Prostate Cancer Facts

The prostate consists of a small gland situated under the bladder in men. It has a doughnut shape and fits around a tube, known as the urethra. This tube has the purpose of carrying the urine from the bladder. The prostate's function is to produce fluid that mixes with sperm during male ejaculation.

Prostate cancer has become the most common male cancer in most western countries. Most prostate tumors grow slowly and often do not require treatment, whereas other tumors grow much quicker and can spread to the bones causing severe pain.

The most common symptoms likely to be noticed when suffering from prostate cancer is an inability to urinate, difficulty in passing urine, especially at night, weak or interrupted flow of urine, traces of blood in urine and pain or discomfort noticed in the lower back, upper thighs and hips.

Although it is always advisable to seek medical advice if these symptoms are noticed, it is important to remember that they may be caused by other conditions which are not so serious such as benign prostate enlargement.

The exact cause of prostate cancer remains unknown, although exposure to high levels of radiation is one known cause for a very small proportion of cases. Prostate cancer can run in families, so if there is a familial history of prostate cancer, it is advised for other male members to have regular check ups with their doctor.

Prostate cancer is rare in those men under the age of 50 years. However, the risk of development increases following the age of 50 years and nearly half of prostate cancer cases occur in men over the age of 75 years. Again, those men from families with a history of prostate cancer remain at a higher than normal risk.

There is some evidence to suggest a high fat diet can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer and other studies indicate a diet higher in vitamin E, tomatoes and vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts (cruciform vegetables) may also lower the risk, although evidence for this has not yet been submitted.

Although it was once believed that a vasectomy increased the risk of developing cancer, research which has been carried out suggests that there is no difference.

Currently, there is no known way of preventing prostate cancer, although studies have indicated that the consumption of 200 microgram's of selenium daily can reduce the risk of development of this disease.

As mentioned previously, some families have a greater risk of developing prostate cancer and having a close relative with prostate cancer can increase the risk by two or three times.

Prostate cancer that is diagnosed early can be successfully treated. Unfortunately, advanced prostate cancer can be quite difficult to cure. Every man over the age of 50 years should be aware of the symptoms of prostate cancer and if noticed, seek immediate medical advice.

There are many different tests used to diagnose prostate cancer although each one is not conclusive alone.

Rectal Examination - a gloved finger is inserted into the rectum to feel the size of the prostate gland.

PSA Blood Test - if the level of Prostate Specific Antigen is too high, there may be a suggestion of prostate cancer. 

Ultrasound - small probe inserted into the rectum to determine the exact size of the prostate.

Biopsey - A tiny tissue sample is taken from the prostate via the rectum by insertion of needle.

X-ray - can reveal any cancer which may have spread to bones.

Prostate cancer news on the Web