Prostate cancer, one of the most common forms of cancer among males, affects 1 in 6 men over the course of their lifetime. Fortunately, there are very effective treatment methods available for this form of cancer, dropping the mortality rate in men to roughly 1 in 36 individuals. Even so, given that this disease kills more than 26,000 men each year in the United States alone, it is critical to understand the details of this chronic disease, including its causes, symptoms and potential treatment options.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is similar to many other cancers, which occurs when cells begin to grow out of control. The prostate is an important gland in the male anatomy, as it produces some of the fluid in semen and helps control the muscle contractions during ejaculation. It surrounds the urethra and is located below the bladder. Despite being the size of a walnut or so in younger men, it can increase in size significantly as men age. This gland is where the cells can begin to grow out of control, typically in the form of adenocarcinoma. While there are a number of other varieties of prostate cancer, including sarcomas and neuroendocrine tumours, adenocarcinoma is by far the most common form.

The reason prostate cancer can be so deadly is that there are very few signs or symptoms of the disease as it forms. An enlarged or inflamed prostate can be an indicator but these symptoms can also happen for many other reasons. Some men can live for years with prostate cancer and experience no ill effects, perhaps even dying from other causes before doctors ever realize that prostate cancer is present. Since there are no early-warning signals, annual screenings for men of a certain age is highly recommended, typically once you pass the age of 50.

There are various tests that can be conducted following a prostate biopsy that can determine whether you have developed prostate cancer, or if you are merely experiencing a pre-cancerous condition. These tests will determine the level of change in the prostate as a means of identifying cancerous growth. Small changes in the pattern of cells in the prostate are not necessarily dangerous, and may not lead to prostate cancer. If there are more significant changes in the cell pattern, then your chances of having prostate cancer are significantly higher.

Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer

Some of the major symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulties with urination, sexual side effects, and inflammation in certain parts of the body. The vagueness of the symptoms and their similarity to symptoms of other conditions is what makes this form of cancer so difficult to catch early.

Urination: The first signs of prostate cancer that many men experience involves difficulty in urinating and painful or burning sensations while urinating, or the constant need to go to the bathroom. Men with early stages of prostate cancer also struggle to start or stop urination and may experience interrupted the flow or uncontrolled dribbling. This is due to the inflamed prostate gland’s impact on the urethra.

Sexual Side Effects: When it comes to sex, men with prostate cancer may have difficulty gaining or maintaining an erection, or it may be painful when they ejaculate. There also might be blood in the semen or urine.

Inflammation and Pain: Some of the peripheral symptoms may include soreness or stiffness in the back, hips, groin or lower abdomen, as the inflammation of the prostate gland can be quite painful.

Note: While these symptoms could be caused by other conditions, and don’t necessarily mean you have prostate cancer, it is best to speak with a doctor about these symptoms if they become chronic.

Causes Of Prostate Cancer
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