The prostate is a small gland present in males that produces seminal fluid. It is shaped like a walnut. Prostate Cancer is a common cancer and typically is a slow growing cancer that tends to remain confined to the prostate (Mayo, 2023). There are some Prostate Cancers, however, that are aggressive, grow and spread. The estimates for Prostate Cancer in the United States in 2021 are 248,530 new cases and 34,130 deaths (ACS, 2021). Approximately 1 out of every 8 men will be diagnosed with Prostate Cancer is more likely to develop in older men and non-Hispanic men of African descent (ACS, 2021).
There are several symptoms of Prostate Cancer including:
- Frequent urination
- Blood in urine
- Erectile dysfunction
- Painful ejaculation
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss (UCF, 2018)(Mayo, 2023).
There are also several risk factors including:
- Age: risk increases with age
- Race: men of African descent are at greater risk overall and at increased risk for aggressive or advanced disease
- Family history: increased with relative being diagnosed
- Obesity: increased risk overall and of aggressive disease
- Geography: more common in North America, Northwestern Europe, Australia, and Caribbean
- Genetics: BRCA1, BRCA2, and HNPCC genes increase risk
- Diet: increased intake of dairy products increases risk
- Chemical exposures: exposure to chemicals such as agent orange may increase risk
- Vasectomy: slight increased risk
- Smoking: increases risk (ACS, 2020)(Mayo, 2023)(UCF, 2021)
There are several tests, screenings and parts of the physical exam that can be used to help diagnose Prostate Cancer. These include:
- Digital rectal exam: the prostate is palpated physically for abnormalities
- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA): PSA is normal in small amounts but increases with infection, inflammation, enlargement and with cancer.
- Ultrasound: determines size and shape of prostate
- MRI: creates detailed picture of prostate
- Prostate Biopsy: cells are collected from the prostate (ACS, 2020)(Mayo, 2023)(UCF, 2021)
Once Prostate Cancer has been diagnosed, these tests can help determine whether the cancer has spread and if so, to where.
- Bone scan
- Ultrasound
- Computerized Tomography (CT scan)
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET scan)
- MRI (ACS, 2020)(Mayo, 2023)(UCF, 2021)
Treatments are available for Prostate Cancer. Treatment can depend on the stage and grade of the cancer, age, and preferences for long and short term side effects (UCF, 2021). Treatments can be broken down into:
- Surveillance:
- Active Surveillance - monitors cancer with PSA tests, Digital rectal exams, and biopsies
- Watchful waiting: uses less involved system to monitor
- Surgery:
- Radical Prostatectomy - prostate is removed
- Radiation Therapy:
- External Beam Radiation - external radiation is used to kill cancer cells
- Brachytherapy: radioactive sources, sometimes called seeds are placed in prostate tissue
- Cryotherapy: prostate tissue is frozen in order to kill cancer cells
- High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound and Focal Therapy: concentrated ultrasound energy heats and kills cancer cells
- Hormone Therapy (Androgen Suppression Therapy)
- Block Testosterone production: Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) and Gonadotropin - Releasing Hormone (GRH) agonists and antagonists
- Block Testosterone from reaching and impacting cancer cells: LHRH agonists
- Orchiectomy: testicles are removed
- Immunotherapy: can engineer immune cells to fight cancer cells or help immune cells to identify cancer cells (ACS, 2020)(Mayo, 2023)(UCF, 2021)
For more information on Prostate Cancer, visit the American Cancer Society site at https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer.html.
To learn more about Prostate Cancer, watch our video:
UPDATED 5/6/2023
ACS. (2020) Prostate Cancer. American Cancer Society. Retrieved from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer.html
Mayo Clinic. (2023) Prostate Cancer. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087
Urology Health. (2021) Prostate Cancer. Urology Health. Retrieved from https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/prostate-cancer#Surgery
