Prostate cancer is characterized by uncontrolled (malignant) cell growth in the prostate gland. In men, the prostate is a walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, surrounding the urethra – the tube that drains urine from the bladder. The prostate gland produces and stores fluid that aids in the production of sperm.

Apart from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer found in men in the United States, and it frequently begins without symptoms. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United States. The rate of growth of prostate cancer is variable: some grow slowly and men with this type of slow-growing cancer often die of other diseases before prostate cancer causes significant problems. On the other hand, some prostate cancers are more aggressive and can spread outside the confines of the prostate gland, which can be fatal. With early detection and personalized treatment, the survival rate of prostate cancer is greatly improved.

The Facts About Prostate Cancer

• Prostate cancer is still the most common cancer in American men, that the American Cancer Society’s estimates for prostate cancer in the United States for 2021 are: about 248,530 new cases of prostate cancer and about 34,130 deaths from prostate cancer.
• This year, nearly 17,000 men will be diagnosed.
• Many of these men will experience anxiety and depression as a result of their cancer, and they will have a 70% increased risk of committing suicide.
• Men frequently suffer in silence – 72% do not seek help for what they are going through.

We can change that this September, with your help, by raising awareness.

What factors contribute to the development of prostate cancer?

Although it is unknown what causes prostate cancer, researchers are investigating certain risk factors to see if they contribute to prostate cells developing into cancer.

Who is at risk of developing prostate cancer?

Certain men are more likely than others to develop prostate cancer, which may influence when they should begin screening. The risk rises with age, especially after the age of 50. Some risk factors are as follows:

• African Americans are twice as likely as white men to develop the disease.
• Having a family history of prostate cancer – a father or a brother diagnosed with prostate cancer, especially at a young age – raises the risk.
• A genealogy of breast and ovarian cancer may also be associated with an inherited risk of developing prostate cancer (BRCA gene mutation).
• Obesity and/or a high-fat diet

Symptoms 

Prostate cancer often has no symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they may resemble those of an enlarged prostate, also known as BPH. Prostate cancer can cause symptoms that are unrelated to BPH. Consult your healthcare provider if you are experiencing urinary issues.

Prostate cancer symptoms include:

• Pain in the lower pelvic area that is dull
• Urinating frequently
• Urinary incontinence, pain, burning, or a weak urine flow are all symptoms of urinary incontinence.
• Urine with blood in it (Hematuria)
• Ejaculation is excruciatingly painful.
• Lower back, hip, or upper thigh pain
• Loss in weight
• Bone pain
• Appetite loss

Is it possible to prevent prostate cancer?

There are no specific prostate cancer prevention strategies. There is some evidence that a low-fat, high-vegetable-and-fruit diet may help reduce your prostate cancer risk. Routine screening, which includes a physical exam and PSA blood test, is critical for detecting prostate cancer at an early stage. A healthy diet and exercise are also essential for overall health and disease prevention.