What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer develops in the prostate gland, a walnut-sized organ in men that produces seminal fluid. It typically grows slowly and initially remains confined to the prostate gland.
How Common is Prostate Cancer?
- Most common cancer in men (excluding skin cancer)
- 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed during their lifetime
- Risk increases with age, particularly after 50
What Are the Risk Factors?
- Age (over 50)
- Family history
- African American ethnicity
- Obesity
- Genetic mutations (BRCA1/BRCA2)
What Are Common Symptoms?
- Difficulty urinating
- Increased urinary frequency
- Blood in urine or semen
- Erectile dysfunction
- Bone pain (in advanced cases)
How is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
- PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test
- Digital rectal examination (DRE)
- Prostate biopsy
- Imaging studies (MRI, CT scan)
What Treatment Options Are Available?
Early-Stage Treatment
- Active surveillance
- Radical prostatectomy
- Radiation therapy
Advanced-Stage Treatment
- Hormone therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy
What is the Survival Rate?
- Nearly 100% 5-year survival rate for localized disease
- 90% overall 5-year survival rate
- Outcomes depend on stage at diagnosis
What About Recovery?
- Recovery time varies by treatment type
- Most men return to normal activities within 4-6 weeks post-surgery
- Side effects may include:
- Urinary incontinence
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
How Can I Reduce My Risk?
- Maintain healthy weight
- Regular exercise
- Balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Regular medical check-ups
- PSA screening as recommended by your doctor