What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most common non-skin cancer in men and the third leading cause of male cancer deaths. 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 tell which prostate cancers will grow slowly and which will be quickly.

Graphic taken from American Cancer Association

Prostate Cancer -

• It is most common among men between ages 60 and 80.
• Known risk factors for prostate cancer include age, race and family history.
• 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
1. a weak urinary stream
2. inability to urinate
3. interruption of urinary stream
4. frequent urination (especially at night)
5. pain or burning during urination
6. blood in urine

The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be about 234,460 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States in 2006. About 27,350 men will die of this disease.