Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. According to the American Cancer Society, about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

It is estimated that there will be more than 191,000 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States this year alone.

What is the Prostate?

The prostate is a gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate gland is responsible for producing some of the fluid that makes up semen.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the prostate gland. When these cells become abnormal and grow uncontrollably, they can form a tumor. Prostate cancer typically grows slowly and may not cause any symptoms for years.

However, as it progresses, it can cause symptoms such as difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or semen, and pain in the lower back, hips, or thighs.

What are the Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer?

While the exact cause of prostate cancer is not known, certain factors can increase a man’s risk of developing the disease. These risk factors include:.

Age: As men age, their risk of developing prostate cancer increases. The majority of cases are diagnosed in men over the age of 65.
Family history: Men with a family history of prostate cancer are at greater risk of developing the disease.
Race: African American men are more likely to develop prostate cancer than men of other races.
Diet: A diet high in red meat and high-fat dairy products may increase a man’s risk of developing prostate cancer.
Obesity: Men who are obese have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.

How is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

Prostate cancer is typically diagnosed during a routine physical exam. During the exam, a doctor may perform a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check for any abnormalities in the prostate gland.

They may also order a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test to measure the level of PSA in the blood. An elevated PSA level may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.

How is Prostate Cancer Treated?

The treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and other factors such as age and overall health. Treatment options may include:.

Active surveillance: If the cancer is slow-growing and not causing any symptoms, a doctor may recommend monitoring it closely rather than treating it immediately.
Surgery: Surgery to remove the prostate gland (prostatectomy) may be recommended in some cases.
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells. It can be delivered externally or internally (brachytherapy).
Hormone therapy: Hormone therapy may be recommended to block the production of male hormones (such as testosterone) that can help prostate cancer grow.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It may be recommended if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Can Prostate Cancer be Prevented?

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, there are some steps men can take to reduce their risk of developing the disease. These steps include:.

Maintaining a healthy weight
Eating a diet high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Exercising regularly
Getting screened for prostate cancer regularly starting at age 50

Conclusion

Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in men. While the exact cause of prostate cancer is not known, certain risk factors can increase a man’s risk of developing the disease.

Screening and early detection are key to successful treatment of prostate cancer. If you are a man over the age of 50, talk to your doctor about getting screened for prostate cancer.