What is the prostate?
The prostate is a gland located below the urinary bladder and in front of the rectum. It wraps around the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the penis. The gland produces a fluid that is added to semen, which carries and nourishes sperm. The growth and function of the prostate gland is controlled by the hormone, testosterone. As a man ages, the prostate gland increases in size.

What is Prostate Cancer?
All cells in the body undergo orderly, controlled cycles of growth, repair and death. Cancer develops when some cells become abnormal, experience uncontrollable growth and spread to other parts of the body.

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in American men (excluding skin cancer). The cause of prostate cancer is still unknown. All men are at risk. However, certain factors may increase a man's risk of developing this disease.

• Age - most prostate cancers occur in men over 50 years of age
• Family History - having a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer
• Ethnicity/Race - African-American men experience twice the incidence of prostate cancer compared to other ethnic/racial groups. Asian men have the lowest incidence.
• Diet - a diet high in animal fat may increase risk

What are the symptoms?
Prostate cancer in its earliest stages often does not have symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they may be similar to other conditions of the prostate such as benign prostatic enlargement or infection.

If a man experiences any of these symptoms, he should consult with his health care provider.

• Difficulty urinating
• Frequent urge to urinate, especially at night
• Weak urine stream
• Painful or burning on urination
• Blood in urine or semen
• Painful ejaculation
• Pain in lower back, hips

What is Prostate Cancer Screening?
The American Cancer Society recommends early detection as the best defense against prostate cancer. An early detection plan consists of a blood test, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) and a digital rectal exam (DRE) starting at age 50. For those men at high risk, screening should start at age 45 or earlier after consultation with their health care provider.
 

• PSA - measures a substance produced by the cells in the prostate gland. An elevated reading indicates an abnormal condition of the gland which maybe benign or cancerous.
• DRE - a procedure in which a doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum to examine the prostate gland.

If prostate cancer is suspected, further tests will be required which may include a biopsy.

Men can become active partners in their health care by discussing with their health care providers their risk for prostate cancer, symptoms to report, lifestyle choices to decrease risk, benefits and limitations of screening tests and when to begin testing.


 

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