The prostate is one of a group of glands whose secretions nourish sperm after ejaculation. It is located at the neck of the bladder and is only found in men. It is about the size of a walnut and running through it is the urethra (the tube which carries urine and sperm out through the penis).
The Problem
Prostate cancer mainly affects men over the age of sixty-five, though in the UK more than one thousand cases per year affect men under the age of fifty-five.
Altogether, one in 14 men are at risk of contracting the disease and
the rate has been increasing in the UK. One man dies every hour
of prostate cancer, resulting in over 10,000 deaths per annum.
In 50% of cases, the disease will have spread before diagnosis. However, one in three cancers may be slow growing, and such patients can survive for more than 5 years without treatment.
Causes and Prevention
As with most cancers there are no clear-cut causes. However, the risks are increased by:
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A diet high in animal fat and low in foods containing vitamins A and D related substances
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Exposure to heavy metals, particularly cadmium radiation or pesticides
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Developing a sexually acquired infection, particularly at a young age
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Having a brother or a father with prostate cancer can increase your risk. Approximately 5-10% cases are thought to have an inherited component
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Individuals who are of a Afro-Caribbean or African-American descent. Those with Middle and Far Eastern ancestors have a lower risk.
What to look out for
Because the prostate gland is situated at the outlet of the bladder and in front of the bowel, any tumour, whether benign or malignant, can affect their function.
Common symptoms include:
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Slowing of the urinary stream and/or urinating more frequently than usual, often at night, are the most common symptoms.
- Blood in the urine is rare, but can lead to a misdiagnosis, as it is more usual in bladder cancer.
- Obstruction of the outflow of the testis leads to loss of sperm production, or loss of erection, or very rarely blood in the sperm.
- Constipation or altered bowel habit.
- Pain or stiffness in the bones or muscles in spine or hips. (This is common as one gets older, mostly due to benign wear and tear conditions and not prostate cancer. However, if pain persists, or gets worse, it should not be ignored).
What to do if you are worried
Most of these symptoms are more frequent in benign rather than in malignant tumours. Your doctor can do a simple internal check of your prostate to be sure there is not an obvious cancer. Do not allow your natural embarrassment to delay this unnecessarily.
If your doctor is worried he may then go on to take a PSA test.
How can you test for Prostate Cancer?
There are three main tests for Prostate Cancer.
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