Prostate cancer is cancer that begins in the prostate, which is the walnut-sized gland in males that produces the fluid that carries sperm. It is the most common cancer among men in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death in men after lung cancer.
Being aware of the causes, risk factors, and symptoms of prostate cancer can lead to early detection and treatment and improve your survival rate if you are diagnosed with this condition. Fortunately, despite how common prostate cancer is in men, you can reduce your risk for this disease by practicing certain healthy behaviors.
What Causes Prostate Cancer?
Cancer begins when DNA in certain cells goes through changes that cause those cells to grow and divide more rapidly than usual. Those abnormal, fast-growing cells can form a tumor and also break away from the tumor and spread to other parts of the body. Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate experience these types of changes to their DNA.
Any male is at risk for prostate cancer. However, certain factors may further increase your risk. Risk factors for prostate cancer include:
- Age. The risk for prostate cancer increases as you grow older and is more common in men aged 50 years and older.
- Ethnicity. African-American men are at higher risk.
- Genetics. A family history of prostate cancer increases your risk.
- Obesity. Having a body mass index of 30 or greater increases your risk.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer doesn’t usually cause symptoms in its early stages. On the other hand, advanced prostate cancer may produce a wide range of symptoms. Common symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Inability to fully empty the bladder
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pain or burning sensation when urinating
- Bone pain
- Unintentional weight loss
- Chronic pain in the back, hips, or pelvis
- Inability to achieve or maintain an erection
- Painful ejaculation
What Is Prostate Cancer Screening?
If you meet the risk factors for prostate cancer, you should consider screening for this condition. Prostate cancer screening allows your provider to look for early signs and symptoms of prostate cancer so it can be treated right away before it spreads. This test can be performed as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test or as a digital rectal examination (DRE).
PSA Test
PSA is a substance produced by your prostate. If you have prostate cancer, your PSA level will be higher than normal. A PSA test is a blood test that measures your PSA level.
A high PSA level can also indicate other conditions, such as a prostate infection or an enlarged prostate. If your test results show that your PSA level is elevated, your provider may recommend a biopsy to confirm a prostate cancer diagnosis.
DRE
During a DRE, your provider inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum to feel for signs of bumps and other physical abnormalities.
If you want to be screened for prostate cancer, your provider can talk to you in more detail about the pros and cons of a PSA test and DRE and make a recommendation. Your provider can also determine whether prostate cancer screening may be right for you based on your medical history and risk factors.
Treatments for Prostate Cancer
The goal of prostate cancer treatment is to remove the tumor and cancerous tissues or slow the progression of the cancer. The type of treatment you receive will depend on the stage and severity of your condition.
Low-grade or non-aggressive prostate cancer may be treated using active surveillance, which involves seeing your provider regularly for check-ups so the cancer can be closely monitored. Many times, no treatment is needed if the cancer doesn’t grow or spread.
Treatments for fast-growing or aggressive prostate cancer include:
- Surgery. Surgery may be performed to remove the prostate and surrounding tissues.
- Radiation therapy. High-energy X-rays are directed at cancer cells in the prostate to destroy the cancer.
- Chemotherapy. Drugs may be used to shrink or destroy the cancer.
- Cryotherapy. A probe may be used to freeze and destroy prostate cancer cells.
- Hormone therapy. This therapy can block cancer cells from getting testosterone and other hormones that fuel their growth.
- Biological therapy. This therapy involves the use of drugs that help your body fight the cancer and side effects caused by other treatments.
- Ultrasound. A special type of ultrasound may be performed to destroy the cancer cells.
Preventing Prostate Cancer
Certain healthy behaviors can reduce your risk for prostate cancer even if you meet risk factors for this disease. Many cancers are driven by inflammation—therefore, avoiding behaviors that drive body-wide inflammation can often help reduce your risk for this and other cancers.
Steps you can take to reduce your risk for prostate cancer include:
- Not smoking
- Losing excess weight
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating healthy foods, including fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, nuts, and fish
- Avoiding processed foods and foods high in salt and sugar
- Reducing your alcohol intake
- Not using illicit drugs
- Exercising regularly
- Managing stress
Start a conversation with your provider about prostate cancer if you think you may be at risk based on your symptoms and medical history. Your provider can perform an exam and prostate cancer screening and discuss your available treatment options if you are diagnosed with this condition.
Resource Links
- “What Is Prostate Cancer?” via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- “Prostate Cancer—Patient Version” via National Cancer Institute
- “Key Statistics for Prostate Cancer” via American Cancer Society
- “Who Is at Risk for Prostate Cancer?” via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- “What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?” via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- “What Is Screening for Prostate Cancer?” via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- “How Is Prostate Cancer Treated?” via Centers for Disease Control and Prevention