Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer statistics:

The fear of having prostate cancer can be devastating to men. However, it is most successfully treated when found early. Consider these statistics from the American Cancer Society (ACS):

Nearly 86 percent of all prostate cancers are discovered while they are either localized (confined to the prostate) or regional (nearby). The five-year survival rate for men diagnosed with prostate tumors discovered at these stages is 100 percent.
In the past 20 years, the five-year survival rate for all stages combined has increased from 67 percent to 97 percent.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men, excluding skin cancer.
American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates for 2004 include 230,110 new cases of prostate cancer in the US.
Year 2004 estimates include 29,900 deaths occurring from prostate cancer in the US alone, making it the second leading cause of cancer death in men.

Prostate cancer evaluations:

Early prostate cancer may not present any symptoms and can only be found with regular prostate examinations by your physician. Do not let fear and anxiety keep you from having the tests you need. These tests can often detect, or help rule out, prostate cancer.

Follow-up visits with your physician are extremely important if you have had an unusual DRE (digital rectal exam), or if your PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level is high. Your physician may order additional tests or suggest repeating the PSA tests.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

As mentioned, early prostate cancer may not cause symptoms. The following are the most common symptoms of prostate cancer, when present. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

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
difficulty having an erection

It is important to understand that these symptoms may have other, less serious causes, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an infection, and should be evaluated by a physician. The symptoms of prostate cancer may resemble other medical conditions or problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

How is prostate cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosing prostate cancer is often a multi-step process. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for prostate cancer may include the following:

DRE (digital rectal examinations)
As recommended by your physician, DREs are usually conducted annually for men over the age of 50. Men in high-risk groups, such as African-Americans, or those with a strong family history of prostate cancer, should consult their physicians about being tested at age 45.
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) and PAP (prostatic acid phosphatase)
As recommended by your physician, PSA and PAP tests are usually conducted annually for men over the age of 50. Men in high-risk groups, such as African-Americans, or those with a strong family history of prostate cancer, should consult their physicians about being tested at age 45.

What are some other prostate cancer evaluation procedures?

If the DRE or PSA are unusual, your physician may repeat the tests or request an ultrasound and other procedures. These evaluation tools may include:

transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) - a test using sound wave echoes to create an image of the prostate gland to visually inspect for abnormal conditions such as gland enlargement, nodules, penetration of tumor through capsule of the gland, and/or invasion of seminal vesicles; may also be used for guidance of needle biopsies of the prostate gland and/or guiding the nitrogen probes in cryosurgery.
computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body.
radionuclide bone scan - a nuclear imaging method that helps to show whether the cancer has spread from the prostate gland to the bones. The procedure involves an injection of radioactive material that helps to locate diseased bone cells throughout the entire body, suggesting possible metastatic cancer.
(lymph node and/or prostate) biopsy - a procedure in which tissue samples are removed (with a needle or during surgery) from the body for examination under a microscope; to determine if cancer or other abnormal cells are present.

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