Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men in the United States of America. Approximately 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer during their lifetime. Prostate Cancer mainly occurs in older men over the age of 60 and is rarely diagnosed before the age of 40.

Prostate Cancer begins in the prostate gland, which is a small walnut-sized gland located under the bladder in men. Cancer in the prostate starts when the prostate gland cells begin to mutate and grow uncontrollably. Most types of Prostate Cancer grow slowly and are confined to the prostate gland. Other types of Prostate Cancer which are not restricted to the gland are aggressive and can spread quickly.

Prostate Cancer that is detected early has a better chance of successful treatment.

Early Detection

Prostate Cancer does not often cause any signs and symptoms until it has advanced. To help detect Prostate Cancer early, there is a blood test that can be performed called the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test. The PSA blood test can not always show for sure if you have cancer as other factors can also raise the levels in your blood PSA levels. Other tests, such as a prostate biopsy should be done to determine if you are developing Prostate Cancer.

Symptoms

During the early stages of Prostate Cancer there may be no apparent signs and symptoms however as your cancer advances you may notice the following signs and symptoms:

• Difficulty with urinating

• Poor flow of urine

• Blood in semen

• Discomfort in the pelvic area

• Bone pain

• Erectile dysfunction

Treatment

Treatment for Prostate Cancer depends upon the type of cancer and how advanced the tumor growth is. Treatments usually include:

• Surgery

• Radiotherapy

• Chemotherapy

• Hormone Therapy