Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers diagnosed in men. (females do not have a prostate gland). According to the Center for Disease Control, all men are at risk for prostate cancer. Out of every 100 American men, about 13 will get prostate cancer during their lifetime, and about 2 to 3 of these will die from prostate cancer.
The Prostate Gland & Prostate Cancer
The Prostate is a small, rubbery gland about the size of a walnut, located deep inside the groin, between the base of the penis and the rectum. It is attached at the base of the bladder and surrounds part of the urinary tube (urethra) that is responsible for carrying urine out of the body. Its function is the production of the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Enlargement of the prostate is common, especially after middle age. A benign enlargement (also known as BPH or benign prostatic hypertrophy) obstructs the flow of urine and sometimes results in urinary retention. Prostate cancer is marked by the uncontrolled (malignant) growth of cells in the prostate gland. Once it grows beyond a certain size, urinary symptoms will begin to appear.
Signs & Symptoms
Although prostate cancer often has no symptoms, when symptoms are present, they usually consist of one or more of the following:
- The weak or interrupted flow of urine
- Difficulty starting urination
- Difficulty emptying the bladder completely
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Pain or burning during urination
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that does not go away
- Painful ejaculation
Since the symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer can be similar, any unusual urinary symptoms warrant a prostate cancer screening.
Risk Factors
Age – This is the greatest risk factor. All males age 45 and older should be screened.
Ethnicity – African American men have proven to be at greater risk than other ethnicities.
Family History – Anyone with a family history of prostate cancer should be screened.
Your Screening & What to Expect
Your screening will consist of a blood test known as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland which becomes elevated in the presence of prostate cancer. The results are reported in nanograms of PSA per milliliter of blood (ng/mL). PSA levels can be elevated in the presence of prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), and urinary tract infection, but in general, a result of 4 -10 ng/ml is suspicious for prostate cancer. A result of 10 ng/mL and above indicates a high likelihood of prostate cancer and will require further testing. Your results will be sent to you, and you are strongly encouraged to share them with your primary care physician.
If your test should result in suspicion for prostate cancer, you should expect your physician to first rule out any non-cancer-related causes for the elevated PSA level, like those mentioned above. You should also expect a complete physical exam which will include a digital rectal exam. This test will enable your physician to feel for enlargement, or lumps/masses of the prostate. If prostate cancer is still suspected, a biopsy may be ordered. This procedure consists of a small sample of prostate tissue being obtained for microscopic analysis. This test will provide a definitive answer as to the presence or absence of prostate cancer. Early detection and treatment are extremely important. Even in the absence of symptoms or risk factors, all men age 45 and over should be screened. If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned signs/symptoms, or possess any of the above-mentioned risk factors, please have your prostate cancer screening done as soon as possible.