Chapter 23: Cancer Prostate Cancer Brought to you by: Dusty R. Embery

Prostate Cancer Definitions - Prostate - Prostate - Prostate Cancer - Prostate CancerCausesSymptoms Signs and Tests Statistics

Definitions The Prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds part of the urethra. The prostate produces fluid that makes up part of semen. Prostate Cancer suggests a malignant tumor growth on the Prostate Gland, malignant meaning cancerous abnormality. A high fraction of the cancer cell can grow and divide rapidly. They can invade surrounding tissues and set up areas of proliferation (cell multiplication) away from the original site. This spread of tumors and establishments of secondary growth is called metastasis.

Causes Though the cause of Prostate Cancer is unknown, some studies have shown that there is a relationship between the cancer and high dietary fat intake as well as increased testosterone levels. It has been shown that when testosterone levels are lowered either by surgical removal of the testicles or by medication, prostate cancer can regress. Of course this is not a dead lock, but it is a start.

Symptoms Weak or interrupted flow of urine. Urinating often (especially at night). Difficulty urinating or holding back urine. Inability to urinate. Pain or burning when urinating. Blood in the urine or semen. Nagging pain in the back, hips, or pelvis.

Signs and Tests The biggest give away in relations to a man having Prostate Cancer is revealed upon examination from a doctor. This rectal exam (in regards to a positive sign for Prostate Cancer), often reveals a hard, irregular surface of an enlarged prostate. Upon discovering this hard irregular surface, a doctor will probably suggest a series of tests that will either eliminate the possibility of Prostate Cancer, or confirm that the patient indeed has Prostate Cancer.

Signs and Tests (continued) A list of tests are as follows: PSA (prostate specific antigen). Free PSA. Urinalysis. Urine or prostatic fluid cytology. Prostate biopsy. CT scans. Bone scans. Chest X-ray. AMACR.

Statistics Prostate Cancer is the single most common form of non-skin cancer in men in the United States. It is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages, and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75 years old. More than 70% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65, but rarely found in men younger than 40. More than 30,000 American men lose their lives to prostate cancer each year. That is ONE DEATH EVERY TWENTY MINUTES! In the next 24 hours, prostate cancer will claim the lives of over 80 American men.

Statistics (continued) Prostate cancer incidence rates increased 192% between 1973 and In the year 2003, this year, an estimated 220,900 men will have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, and some 28,900 men will die of the disease. Men at higher risk include black men older than 60, farmers, tire workers, painters, and men exposed to cadmium. The lowest incidence occurs in Japanese men and vegetarians.

Review Prostate cancer suggests a malignant tumor growth on the prostate gland. Prostate cancer causes are unknown. There are many symptoms leading to prostate cancer. Most symptoms are in relations to urinary abnormalities. Yearly check ups with a physician should be scheduled to reveal the number one sign of all, hard irregular surface of an enlarged prostate. This acknowledgement should be followed by more thorough testing. Prostate cancer is found primarily in elderly men. Men at higher risk include black men older than 60, farmers, tire workers, painters, and men exposed to cadmium. Prostate cancer is becoming more and more abundant, and is a very serious disease.

Conclusion Prostate cancer is a very serious matter. It is not something to joke around about or take lightly. All men, whether or not they have a history of prostate cancer in their family, should have yearly check ups with a physician. Guys, don’t be scared or embarrassed to ask someone about prostate cancer.