Cancer is a term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control. Cancer of the prostate is the most common malignancy in American men. Malignancy is a cancerous tumor that can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. Early prostate cancer is localized (confined) to the gland, and the majority of patients with localized prostate cancer have a long survival after diagnosis.

Who is at risk for prostate cancer?

All men are at risk. The most common risk factor is age. More than 75 percent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer each year are over the age of 65. African American men have a higher risk of prostate cancer than white Americans. There is some evidence that a diet higher in animal fat may, in part, underlie these differences in risk. Genetic factors also appear to play a role, particularly for families in whom the diagnosis is made in men under age of 60 years. The risk of prostate cancer rises with the number of close relatives who have the disease. It is generally recommended that men who are at high-risk begin screening at age 40 and men who are not at high-risk begin screening at age 50.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms for many years. By the time symptoms occur, the disease may have spread beyond the prostate. When symptoms do occur, they may include:

Frequent urination, especially at night

Inability to urinate

Trouble starting or holding back urination

A weak or interrupted flow of urine

Painful or burning urination

Can prostate cancer be fround before a man has symptoms?

Yes. Two tests are commonly used to detect prostate cancer in the absence of any symptoms. One is the digital rectal exam, in which a doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to find hard or lumpy areas. The other is a blood test used to detect a substance made by the prostate called prostate specific antigen (PSA).

What are the treatment options for localized prostate cancer?

There are five generally accepted options for treatment of patients with localized prostate cancer:

Nerve-sparing surgery (reduces the risk of erectile dysfunction side effects)

Hormonal therapy (Lowers production of testosterone)

Radiation therapy

Brachytherapy seed implants

Chemotherapy (Uses anti-cancer drugs)

(New) Cryosurgery (Uses liquid nitrogen to freeze and kill prostate cancer cells)

Because prostate cancer is often slow growing, a minority of men choose not to be treated at all (so-called watchful waiting) unless blood tests suggest that the tumor is becoming more aggressive.

Where can I find additional information?

Go to website http://www.mens-prostate-cancer.org/faqs.html