The prostate is the gland below a man's bladder that produces fluid for semen. This disease is rare in men younger than 40. Levels of a substance called prostate specific antigen (PSA) is often high in men Suffering from this disease. Since the PSA test became common, most prostate cancers are found before they cause symptoms.
The spread of cancer outside the prostate can be detected by the presence of prostate cancer cells in areas surrounding the prostate such as the seminal vesicle, lymph nodes in the groin area, the rectum and bones. When this disease spreads to another site, such as bone, the new tumor is still considered to be prostate cancer, not bone cancer.
Symptoms of prostate cancer may include * A need to urinate frequently, especially at night * Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine * Weak or interrupted flow of urine * Painful or burning urination * Difficulty in having an erection * Painful ejaculation * Blood in urine or semen * Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs.
Prostate cancer treatment often depends on the stage of the cancer. How fast the cancer grows and how different it is from surrounding tissue helps determine the stage. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or control of hormones that affect the cancer.
Men with a single first-degree, relative—father, brother or son—with a history of prostate cancer are twice as likely to develop the disease, while those with two or more relatives are nearly four times as likely to be diagnosed. The risk is even higher if the affected family members were diagnosed at a young age. Also social and environmental factors, particularly diet and lifestyle, are likely to have an effect as well.
