Prostate Cancer: What Is It?

Cancer is not a single disease, but more than 100 different diseases. All forms of cancer cause cells in the body to change and grow out of control. Most cancers are named after the part of the body where the cancer first starts. Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland, found only in men, that is about the size of a walnut. It is just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The urethra, the tube that carries urine, runs through the prostate. Most prostate cancers develop in older men and grow very slowly. Some prostate cancers can occur in younger men, and some can grow very quickly and spread to other parts of the body, causing symptoms and, sometimes, death.

Risk Factors

Risk factors are conditions or behaviors that increase one’s chances of developing a disease. In the case of prostate cancer, the strongest risk factors are age and ethnicity. Chances of getting the disease increase with age. In the U.S., the disease is much more common among African-American men than white men. Diets high in fat (typical American diet) increase risk, as does a family history of prostate cancer.

Signs & Symptoms

Early prostate cancer often does not cause symptoms, and the symptoms that do appear may be caused by other problems. If you exhibit any of the following, seek immediate medical attention:

Frequent urination need, especially at night
Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
Inability to urinate
Weak or interrupted flow of urine
Painful or burning urination
Painful ejaculation
Blood in urine or semen
Frequent pain or stiffness in lower back, hips or upper thighs

Things You Can Do

See your health provider for regular checkups. Eat a diet low in animal fat and high in vegetables, fruits and grains.

Disclaimer: All information is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as a substitute for advice by your physician. You are advised to consult your physician regarding the applicability of any opinions or recommendations appearing here.

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