Prostate cancer occurs only in males when cells in their prostate gland begin uncontrolled growth. The prostate gland is responsible for making some of the fluid in semen. Most prostate cancer cells grow slowly, but some grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body.
Prostate Cancer is the most common cancer in men, occurring in about one in six men. About 200,000 cases are diagnosed annually in the United States, however it causes death in only 15 percent of cases. It is usually affects men in their 50s-70s, but can occur earlier with high-risk groups.
Risk Factors
There are two primary risk factors:
- Family history of prostate cancer
- African-American race
Symptoms
Early stage prostate cancer has no warning signs. As the cancer grows or spreads these symptoms may occur:
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty urinating or stopping urine mid stream
- Leaking of urine when coughing, laughing, or lifting items
- Pain during urination or ejaculation
- Blood in urine or semen
Types
These are the main types of prostate cancer:
- Adenocarcinoma (occurring in the gland) is the most common type
- Small cell carcinoma
- Sarcoma of the prostate, and other rare types