What is the prostate?

The prostate is a male sex gland, part of a man's reproductive system. The prostate is about the size of a walnut. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum.

What is prostate cancer?

In the majority of men with prostate cancer, it is very slow growing, and many, if not most, of these men will not die because of the prostate cancer, but rather will live with it until they eventually die of some other cause. Early prostate cancer is confined to the gland (localised) but if left unchecked it can progress to other organs (metastasize). It is the most common cancer in local men and if caught early is treatable. In fact the majority of men with localised prostate cancer have a long survival after diagnosis.

Who is at risk for prostate cancer?

Typically the disease hits men over 60. Diet can be a factor, especially fat intake and genetics particularly for families in whom the diagnosis is made in men under 60 years of age. The risk of prostate cancer rises with the number of close relatives who have the disease.

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.

Symptoms may include:

n Frequent urination, especially at night

n Inability to urinate

n Trouble starting or holding back urination

n A weak or interrupted flow of urine

n Painful or burning urination

n Blood in the urine or semen (the fluid that is released through the penis during orgasm and made up of sperm from the testicles and fluid from the prostate and other sex glands)

n Painful ejaculation (the release of semen through the penis during orgasm)

n Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs. Each of these can be symptoms of cancer, but more often they are symptoms of non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. It is important to check with a doctor.