Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is now the most commonly diagnosed male cancer in many western countries. The latest data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) estimates that in 2010 almost 20,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. And, they estimate that more than 3,300 men will die as a direct result of prostate cancer. The number of recorded cases has increased significantly in recent years, and this is partly due to the increased use of the PSA blood test resulting in more cases being detected. It is also partly because men are living longer.All men over the age of 50, and those over 40 with a family history of prostate cancer, are potentially at risk and should talk to their doctor about annual testing. Prostate cancer is highly curable if detected and treated early. And, while prostate cancer is most common in men over the age of 50, younger men diagnosed are more likely to die prematurely from it. Family history increases the risk. For example, for a man who has a father or brother diagnosed with prostate cancer, the risk is at least twice as high.
Prostate cancer can be cured if treated while it is confined to the prostate gland. Early, curable prostate cancer may not have symptoms but simple testing can be carried out by a GP.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer occurs when the cells of the prostate begin to grow uncontrollably, causing a swelling or a tumour of the prostate. If left untreated, prostate cancer cells eventually break out of the prostate and invade distant parts of the body, producing secondary tumours and making the disease more difficult to treat. However, when diagnosed and treated early and effectively, prostate cancer has a cure rate of over 90%.
Where is the Prostate?
The Prostate is a male only organ located immediately below the bladder and just in front of the bowel. The prostate surrounds the first stage of the urethra - the duct through which urine flows out to the penis.
What is the Function of the Prostate?
The prostate has three functions: to produce fluid for semen, which helps move sperm during orgasm; to make prostate specific antigen (PSA); and to control urine flow.
What are the Symptoms?
Most men tend to accept the onset of one or more of the below symptoms as being a natural consequence of ageing. However, anyone experiencing any of the below symptoms is advised to consult a doctor without delay. Early expert diagnosis and treatment is important and may avert potentially serious health consequences.
- Waking frequently at night to urinate
- Sudden or urgent need to urinate
- Difficulty in starting to urinate
- Slow flow of urine and difficulty in stopping
- Discomfort when urinating
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Decrease in libido (sex urge)
- Reduced ability to get an erection
Other Prostate Illness
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BHP)
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlargement of the prostate is quite common in older men. It is also NOT prostate cancer. Some enlargement of the prostate is usual in most men from age 50 onwards. If the enlargement is sufficient to squeeze the urethra difficulties with urination may occur. Treatment of BPH may require antibiotics, or, in more developed cases, an operation to widen the urethral passage. Most forms of BPH respond well to treatment and seldom progress to prostate cancer.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is the least common of the prostate disorders, usually taking the form of an inflammation of the prostate. It is NOT prostate cancer. Of the three disorders, this is the only one which may be encountered in younger men. If diagnosed early, it can usually be treated with antibiotics.
Prostatodynia
This is long standing or chronic prostate disease. There is usually no clear signs of infection or inflammation but there may be pain or discomfort in the pelvic region. Treatments are varied including antibiotics, non-steroid anti-inflammatory agents, muscle relaxants and sometimes medications for chronic pain.
Reference: Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia website www.prostate.org.au.
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