Symptoms and Causes of
Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Most prostate cancers are slow growing; however, there are cases of aggressive prostate cancers. The cancer cells may metastasize (spread) from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes.

SYMPTOMS:

Possible pain or burning sensation during urination, frequent urination, a decrease in the size and force of urine flow, inability to urinate, blood in the urine, and continuing lower-back or pelvic discomfort just above the pubic area. But there may be no symptoms until an advance stage or until the cancer spreads out beyond the prostate.

Many, many, times the above symptoms point to a benign enlargement of the prostate and not cancer in that organ.

CAUSES:

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but the cancer is not thought to be related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

The risk factors for prostate cancer include advancing age, genetics (heredity), hormonal influences, and such environmental factors as toxins, chemicals, and industrial products.

The chances of developing prostate cancer increase with age. Thus, prostate cancer under age 40 is extremely rare, while it is common in men older than 80 years of age. As a matter of fact, some studies have suggested that among men over 80 years of age, 50-80 percent of them may have prostate cancer.

More than 80 percent of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men older than 65 years of age.