Understanding Prostate Cancer

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 The uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells. Cancer may spread to other parts of the body

• The most common type of cancer in men and second most frequent cause of cancer-related death in men. 
• A malignant (cancerous) tumor that begins in the prostate gland.  
• Some prostate cancers grow very slowly and may not cause problems for years. 
• Prostate cancer is somewhat unusual in that many men with advanced cancer respond to treatment

• The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located behind the base of the penis, in front of the rectum and below the bladder.
• It surrounds the urethra, the tube-like channel that carries urine and semen through the penis.
• The primary function of the prostate is to produce seminal fluid, the liquid in semen that protects, supports, and helps transport sperm.

 Although risk factors such as age, family history, and race/ethnicity are not modifiable, getting regular physical activity and having a diet high in certain vegetables and fruits can reduce the risk of prostate cancer.  

•  Age  

The older a man is, the greater the chance of getting prostate cancer. Ethnic group – prostate cancer is more common in black men than in Asian or Hispanic men.

• Race/Ethnicity 

African Americans are at increased risk of prostate cancer compared with other men. They tend to get prostate cancer at younger ages, to have more advanced disease when it is found, and to have a more severe type of prostate cancer than other men. 

• Family History

 Having a family history of prostate cancer also increases one's risk of getting prostate cancer.  

• Diet/Hormones

 In some studies, regularly eating foods high in fat, especially animal fat, has been associated with increased prostate cancer risk. 

• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test
• Digital rectal examination (DRE)
• Discuss screening with your doctor

• Frequent urination, or weak or interrupted urine flow.
• Pain or burning during urination or blood in the urine.
• The urge to urinate frequently during the night.
• Different symptoms if the cancer has spread: pain in the back, groin pain, weight loss, fatigue.
• Sometimes, people with prostate cancer do not show any of these symptoms, or these symptoms may be similar to symptoms of other medical conditions.

• PSA test
• DRE
• Diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy
• Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)
• Imaging tests can determine if the cancer has spread

• PSA test
• DRE
• Diagnosis is confirmed with a biopsy
• Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS)
• Imaging tests can determine if the cancer has spread