Prostate Cancer

Only men have a prostate. This walnut-shaped gland is located below the bladder. The prostate surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body.

• Prostate cancer develops when abnormal cells in the prostate grow out of control.
• Cancer cells can form a tumour in the prostate and spread by breaking away from the tumour. After spreading, the cancer cells can attach to other organs and grow to form new tumours (metastasis).
• Early prostate cancer may have NO symptoms.

Should you be screened for prostate cancer?

• It is recommended that men between 45 and 75 years of age should be screened.
• Some men who are at increased risk of prostate cancer should consider screening earlier, between the ages of 40 and 45.
  

Who is at risk for prostate cancer?

• Includes smokers, African-American men, and men whose fathers, brothers or sons have had prostate cancer.

What are the screening tests for Prostate Cancer?

• Digital rectal examination: physical examination to detect prostate problems.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): a blood test to measure this protein found in the prostate.
• Biopsy: If the digital rectal examination and PSA tests are abnormal, a sample of prostate tissue will be removed.
  

Signs and Symptoms

• Early stage may have NO symptoms.
• Intermediate stage: urinary problems such as, difficulty urinating or weak urine flow; frequent urination; pain or burning during urination.
• High-risk stage: apart from urinary problems, includes: mild pain in the pelvic area, blood in the urine, painful ejaculation, pain in the hips, lower back pain, loss of appetite and/or weight loss.