The prostate is a small organ in men that produces seminal fluid. Approximately one in six men will eventually develop prostate cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. This cancer has a good prognosis if it is detected in its early stages, as treatment options for prostate cancer have improved in recent years. According to the National Cancer Institute, about 190,000 men develop prostate cancer each year, and 27,000 will die from this disease.
Detection
Many men with prostate cancer show no symptoms early on. For this reason, it is important for men over age 50 to have prostate screenings as part of their routine checkups. Men who have urinary or bladder symptoms should see their physicians right away to rule out or confirm prostate cancer. These symptoms include trouble passing urine, a decrease in urine flow and blood in the urine or semen. If the cancer spreads, common symptoms include leg swelling, pelvic discomfort, bone pain and bone fractures.
Risk Factors
Prostate cancer is more likely to occur after the age of 65. It can be hereditary and run in families, especially when it occurs before the age of 60. Black men tend to get prostate cancer more than white men, according to the National Cancer Institute. Obesity can make you more likely to develop this cancer. Because high levels of testosterone can contribute to the likelihood of developing prostate cancer, men who have received testosterone treatment for other conditions may be more at risk.
Screening
The screening process for prostate cancer includes a manual examination of the prostate as well as blood work. During the examination, the doctor will feel the prostate through the rectum to check for size and shape. A blood test can measure the levels of prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, in the body. Because most men have these tests performed regularly, most cases of prostate cancer can be caught early enough to treat successfully, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Treatment
Treatment options for prostate cancer vary depending on the growth of the cancer, whether it as spread, and your age and life expectancy. The treatments may be combined or may be used on their own. Treatment options include radiation, surgery, radioactive seed implants, hormone therapy, chemotherapy and cryotherapy.
