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Prostate cancer is a malignant tumour that grows in
the prostate gland. It can spread from the prostate to nearby lymph nodes, or
other organs. This spread is called metastasis.
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A male hormone called testosterone can stimulate the
growth of hormone-dependent prostate cancer cells.
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Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of
cancer death in men.
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While researcher still do not know exactly what
causes prostate cancer, some of the risk factors have been identified, which
include age, ethnicity and family history.
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Early stages of prostate cancer may not cause any
symptoms. However, men with more advanced disease may experience urinary
symptoms such as interruption of urinary flow, inability to urinate, difficulty
starting or stopping urination, frequent urination (especially at night), blood
in the urine and burning during urination.
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Screening by blood is vital to detect early prostate
cancer.
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Early stage cancer is potentially curable through
robotic surgery with minimal morbidity.
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In additional, symptoms such as pain in the lower
back, pelvis or upper thighs may be an indication of metastatic prostate cancer.
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The prevalence of prostate cancer is increasing due
to increasing life span of the population. In the United States, it has become
the second leading cause of cancer death in men.
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According to the American Cancer Society (ACS),
prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men in the United States,
other than lung cancer.
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The American Cancer Society estimates that there
will be about 218,890 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States in 2007.
About 27,050 men will die of this disease this year.
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Treatment actions will depend on several factors,
including the expected benefits and risks of each treatment, as well as the
stage of the cancer.
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The treatment options for prostate cancer depend on
stages:
i. Early stage - watchful waiting (observation), surgery,
radiotherapy and hormonal therapy.
ii. Mestastatic - hormonal manipulation and chemotherapy.
iii. Locally Advanced - radiotherapy with and without hormones.
Prostate cancer is fast becoming the commonest cancer in men worldwide.