Summary
Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in men. It forms in the prostate, a small gland at the base of the male bladder. Prostate cancer usually grows slowly but can spread to other parts of the body.
Risk factors
The cause of this cancer is not known, but some factors can increase the risk. It is more common in men over the age of 65 and in African American men.
It is more frequent in men who follow a diet high in fats. If there is a family history of the disease, the risk is higher.
Symptoms
In the early stages, most men do not notice any symptoms. As the disease progresses, urination becomes more problematic, and blood may be found in the urine or semen. The legs may swell, and there could be pain in the pelvic area, or even bone pain.
Treatment
Treatment options depend on the type of cancer and when it is diagnosed. In the early stages, the doctor may consider “active surveillance” to be the best approach. During active surveillance, regular blood tests, rectal exams, and biopsies are performed to monitor the cancer, but no treatment is given. In some cases, this may be sufficient. If the cancer progresses, the doctor may recommend options such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or surgery.
Complications
Prostate cancer and its treatment can lead to complications, such as problems controlling the bladder, or not being able to have an erection. The most risky complication is the possibility of cancer developing in other areas of the body. Ask your primary care physician for more information.
Overview
This is a common cancer in men. It forms in theprostate. That’s a small gland at the base of themale bladder. Prostate cancer usually grows slowly, but it can spread to other parts of your body.
Risk Factors
We don’t know what causes this cancer. Somethings raise your risk. It’s more common in menolder than 65, and in African-American men. Wesee it more in men who eat a diet high in fat. And,your risk is higher if you have a family history of thedisease.
Symptoms
During the early stages, most men don’t notice anysymptoms. As it progresses, you may haveproblems with urination. You may have blood inyour urine or semen. Your legs may swell. You mayhave pain in your pelvic area. You may have pain inyour bones.
Treatment
Care options depend on your cancer and when it’sfound. In the early stages, your doctor may think “watchful waiting” is best. During watchful waiting, you’ll have regular blood tests, rectal exams andbiopsies to monitor your cancer, but it won’t betreated. For some men, that’s enough. If yourcancer progresses, your doctor may recommendoptions like chemotherapy, radiation treatment, hormone therapy and surgery.
Complications
Prostate cancer and its treatment can lead tocomplications. You can have trouble controlling your bladder. You may not be able to get anerection. And, you may develop cancer in otherareas of the body. Ask your doctor for moreinformation.
