Prostate gland: Overview
(Illustration courtesy of National Cancer Institute). The prostate gland is situated
between the bladder and the rectum.
After skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in U.S. men. Relative to
other cancers, prostate cancer often grows more slowly. Cell changes can take place over years,
even decades.
By age 50 most men show
no symptoms of prostate cancer; however, it is very likely
that some precancerous or cancer cells are present. Sometimes bladder and urination problems can be
a signal of either prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (also called BPH). BPH is
non-cancerous.
Most of these cancers will not pose a problem. But waiting for symptoms to appear can be deadly, with the cancer then more advanced. That is why it is very important to monitor prostate health for men, especially after age 50. Eight percent of prostate cancer diagnoses of U.S. men will have serious symptoms, and three percent will die from the disease.
Prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the pelvis, to your bones, and throughout your body. Some of the symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- Chronic pain in the back, hips or pelvis
- Frequent urge to urinate (especially at night)
- Trouble urinating; weak or interrupted urine stream
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Painful ejaculation
Increased risk factors for prostate cancer include age (50+), those with a family history of prostate cancer (those whose fathers or brothers had the disease), and poor diets (high fat, few fruits and vegetables). In addition, prostate cancer tends to start younger and spread faster in African-Americans, thus increasing the importance of early screening.