What is Prostate Cancer?

In most cases, prostate cancer usually grows slowly which means that it takes a number of years to become large enough to be detected. In fact, there have been a number of autopsy studies which have shown that men who died of other non-cancer causes have had prostate cancer. The cancer showed no symptoms, was not detected by their doctors and more importantly, never affected them during their lives.

The prostate gland is usually located underneath the bladder, in front of the rectum and surrounds the urethra. The prostate gland is the size and shape of a walnut and grows bigger as you get older. Only men have a prostate gland and the main function of the gland is the production of semen. The muscles of the prostate also ensure that the semen is forcefully pressed into the urethra and then expelled outwards during ejaculation.

Besides cancer, the prostate gland may cause two other common men health problems:

• Benign enlargement of the prostate (BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia), one of the most common benign tumours in men and a source of symptoms for most men as they age
• Prostatitis, painful inflammation of the prostate, the most common cause of urinary tract infections in men

Both these prostate problems are common in men after age 50, and fortunately, effective treatment and relief of symptoms is easily available.

While early prostate cancer rarely causes any typical symptoms, it is recommended that men after 50 should speak to their doctors about the need for a prostate exam. According to the National Cancer Registry, prostate cancer is the fourth most common male cancer in Malaysia, accounting for 5.7 per cent of cancer cases among men.

Symptoms

Prostate cancer that is contained inside the prostate (localised prostate cancer) doesn't usually cause any symptoms. But there have been instances where patients have experienced urinary problems. These may be mild and happen over the course of many years. It is important to note that, these symptoms may also be a sign of a benign prostate problem, rather than prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer symptoms only begin to show once the cancer has grown large enough to put pressure on the urethra. It is best to consult with a doctor or urologist, who are trained to recognise the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer.

Symptoms for prostate cancer usually result in problems associated with urination, such as:

• needing to urinate more frequently, often during the night
• needing to rush to the toilet
• difficulty in starting to pee (hesitancy)
• straining or taking a long time urinating
• weak flow when you urinate
• feeling that your bladder has not emptied fully
• dribbling urine after you finish

Less common symptoms include

• pain when urinating
• pain when ejaculating
• blood in your urine or semen*
• problems getting or keeping an erection – this isn't a common symptom of a prostate problem and is more often linked to other health conditions such as diabetes or heart problems.

*Blood in your urine or semen can be caused by other health problems.

Symptoms that the cancer may have spread include bone and back pain, loss of appetite, pain in the testicles and unexplained weight loss.

Family history

Having a brother or father who developed prostate cancer under the age of 60 increases your risk of developing the disease

Age

Most cases are diagnosed in men over 50 years of age

Smoking

Some research has linked smoking to an increased risk of prostate cancer

Obesity

Recent research suggests that there may be a link between obesity and prostate cancer. Men who regularly exercise have also been found to be at lower risk of developing prostate cancer

Diet

Prostate cancer rates appear to be lower in men who eat healthy foods containing vegetables and fruits