What is Prostate Cancer?
According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind only lung cancer. There are several different types of cells that make up the prostate; however, nearly all prostate cancers start in gland cells. This kind of cancer is also known as adenocarcinoma. Prostate cancer can be very slow growing, but sometimes prostate cancer can grow and spread quickly. Unfortunately, even with the latest research it is very hard for doctors to determine whether a patient’s prostate cancer will grow slowly or quickly.
Graphic taken from American Cancer Association
Prostate Cancer -
- Known risk factors for prostate cancer include age, race and family history.
- It is most common among men between ages 60 and 80.
- African-American men have a higher incidence of prostate cancer than Caucasian or Asian men in the U.S.
- The early stages of prostate cancer generally show no symptoms.
- When the tumor becomes more advanced, patients may experience the following symptoms
- a weak urinary stream
- inability to urinate
- interruption of urinary stream
- frequent urination (especially at night)
- pain or burning during urination
- blood in urine
The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2011 there will be about 240,880 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed and approximately 33,720 will die of this disease.
