Prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States after skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death among men, after lung cancer. Prostate cancer is a cancer that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a small, walnut-shaped gland that is located below the bladder in males. It produces the fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. Prostate cancer usually grows very slowly, and finding and treating it before symptoms occur may not improve men's health or help them live longer. However, some types of prostate cancer grow and spread quickly and can be life threatening. Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer The risk of prostate cancer increases with age. Most cases are diagnosed in men over 60 years old. Other risk factors for prostate cancer include:

• Race: African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than men of other races.

• Family history: A father or brother with prostate cancer increases a man's risk of developing the disease.

• Age: The risk of prostate cancer increases with age.

• Ethnicity: African Americans are more likely to develop prostate cancer than men of other races.

• High blood pressure: High blood pressure may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

• Obesity: Obesity may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

• Low levels of physical activity: Low levels of physical activity may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

• High levels of red meat consumption: High levels of red meat consumption may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

• Smoking: Smoking may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer often does not cause any symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

• Difficulty urinating

• Weak or interrupted urination

• A slow or weak stream of urine

• Pain or burning when urinating

• Frequent urination

• Urge to urinate, even when the bladder is empty

• Blood in the urine

• Pain in the back or hips

• Fatigue

• Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer If your doctor suspects that you may have prostate cancer, they will perform a physical exam and order a blood test to check your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level. A high PSA level may be a sign of prostate cancer, but it can also be caused by other conditions, such as a urinary tract infection. If your PSA level is high, your doctor may recommend a prostate biopsy. A prostate biopsy is a procedure to remove a small piece of tissue from the prostate gland for testing. Treatment for Prostate Cancer The treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the man's age and health, and his preferences. Treatment options for prostate cancer include:

• Surgery: Surgery to remove the prostate gland is called a radical prostatectomy.

• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.

• Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy uses drugs to reduce the amount of testosterone in the body. Testosterone can help prostate cancer cells grow.

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells.

• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs to attack specific cancer cells.

Prognosis for Prostate Cancer The prognosis for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the man's age and health, and his treatment options. Men with early-stage prostate cancer have a good chance of being cured. Men with late-stage prostate cancer are more likely to have the disease spread to other parts of the body. The overall survival rate for prostate cancer is about 99%. However, the survival rate can vary depending on the stage of the cancer.