Prostate Cancer Questions and Answers

Find the answers to your questions about prostate cancer, its prevention, causes and treatment in this collection of information and links (this is page one of three pages):

1. What is the prostate gland?

The male prostate gland is far more developed than the female prostate gland (which some authorities claim does not exist) and is located just under the bladder, surrounding the urethra, the tube through which urine drains from the bladder out through the penis. It is close to and in front of the rectum, which is why it can be felt during a rectal examination, and is also susceptible to pleasurable stimulation by massage - the prostate is referred to by some as the "male G-Spot".

2. What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer occurs when a malignant tumour forms in the tissue of the prostate. Most prostate cancers grow slower than other types of cancer. Early (or localised) prostate cancer is growth that has not spread beyond the prostate. Advanced prostate cancer is when the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, such as the bones and lymph nodes. The outer part of the prostate is most likely to get a cancerous tumour

3. What is metastatic prostate cancer?

Cancer cells can break away from the malignant tumor in the prostate and enter the bloodstream or the lymphatic system, spreading from its original location to another part of the body where they may grow and form secondary tumours. The process is called metastasis and the cancer described as metastic prostate cancer.

4. Is prostate cancer always fatal?

No. The number of deaths from prostate cancer has been declining since the early 1990s. If found early, the disease can probably be cured, although there may be side-effects.

5. What causes prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, but at the present time nobody really knows what causes it. We do know that certain factors make prostate cancer more likely. A risk factor is anything that increases your chances of getting a disease. But nobody is immune to prostate cancer.

More details here: Causes of Prostate Cancer

6. What is the most important risk factor for prostate cancer?

Age is the most important risk factor for prostate cancer. The chance of getting prostate cancer goes up as a man gets older. Extremely rare in men under age 40, it increases steadily with age. About 2 out of every 3 prostate cancers are found in men over the age of 65, and the average age of diagnosis is 70.

7. Are there other major risk factors for prostate cancer besides age?

Yes. Family history, DNA changes, hormone levels, race, nationality, diet and exercise have all been identified as risk factors.
More details here: Causes of Prostate Cancer

8. Are conditions like an enlarged prostate or obesity risk factors for prostate cancer?

Enlarged prostate, a condition also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH, does not increase the risk for prostate cancer. There's also no evidence that obesity, a vasectomy, a history of venereal disease, lactoferrin or transferrin in colostrum, smoking or bicycling cause cause prostate cancer either.

9. What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

A need to urinate frequently, especially at night;
Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine;
Weak or interrupted flow of urine;
Painful or burning urination;
Difficulty in having an erection;
Painful ejaculation;
Blood in urine or semen; or
Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs..

More details here: Prostate Cancer Symptoms

10. Are there other conditions that have symptoms like prostate cancer?

Yes. Any of the symptoms caused by prostate cancer may also be due to enlargement of the prostate, which is not cancer. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned in question #9, see your doctor or a urologist right away to find out if you need treatment. A urologist is a doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the genitourinary system.

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