Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer cells. It can then spread to other areas of the body. Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control.
One in three men older than 50 years has some cancer cells in the prostate. Luckily, eight out of 10 tumors are found to be small and harmless after the biopsy. Although the reason for prostate cancer is unknown, many risk factors increase the risk of prostate cancer:
- Age over 55 (peak age 65-74) years
- Genetic/family history
- Poor dietary habits: High fat, unhealthy diet
- Smoking
- Alcohol intake
- Hormonal causes
- Obesity
5 Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer rarely produces symptoms in the early stage. However, few signs can help in detecting prostate cancer. Five potential warning signs of prostate cancer are:
- Bone pain
- Symptoms from compression of the spine
- Painful urination or ejaculation
- Sudden erectile dysfunction
- Blood in urine or semen
Diagnosis
Screening asymptomatic men helps identify early prostate cancer. Screening is recommended in men:
- Who are between 55 and 69 years of age
- Who is African American
- Who have a family history of prostate cancer
Screening methods include:
- Digital rectal examination (DRE) helps to find prostate problems
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): Increased PSA levels in the blood can sometimes indicate prostate cancer.
- Definite diagnosis is based on the biopsy of the prostate tissue.
Most of the men diagnosed with prostate cancer will not die from it. Other medical conditions along with prostate cancer can cause death.
Survival rates for men with prostate cancer have increased over the years due to increased screening and treatment options. Ninety-nine percent of men with prostate cancer will survive for a minimum of five years after diagnosis.
