Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate gland, a small gland in men that produces seminal fluid. It’s one of the most common cancers in men, especially those over age 50.
Here’s a clear overview:
What the Prostate Does
The prostate is located just below the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra. It helps produce semen — the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
What Causes Prostate Cancer
The exact cause isn’t fully understood, but it involves genetic mutations that cause prostate cells to grow uncontrollably.
Risk factors include:
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Age: Most cases occur after 50.
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Family history: Having a father or brother with prostate cancer doubles your risk.
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Race: More common and aggressive in Black men.
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Diet: High-fat diets and obesity may increase risk.
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Genetic mutations: Such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and HOXB13.
Symptoms
In early stages, prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. When symptoms appear, they can include:
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Difficulty urinating or weak urine flow
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Frequent urination (especially at night)
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Blood in urine or semen
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Painful ejaculation
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Pain in lower back, hips, or pelvis (if cancer has spread)
Diagnosis
Common tests include:
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PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test – measures PSA levels.
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Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) – doctor checks prostate by touch.
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Prostate biopsy – confirms cancer.
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MRI or CT scan – determines if it has spread.
Grading & Staging
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Gleason score (6–10): Indicates how aggressive the tumor looks under a microscope.
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Stages I–IV: Describe how far the cancer has spread.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on stage, age, and overall health. Options include:
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Active surveillance (monitoring, for slow-growing cancers)
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Surgery (prostatectomy)
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Radiation therapy
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Hormone therapy (reduces testosterone)
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Chemotherapy
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Targeted or immunotherapy (for advanced cases)
Prognosis
Prostate cancer often grows slowly, and many men live for years without symptoms.
When detected early, 5-year survival exceeds 99%.