Early Detection of Prostate Cancer

Cancer occurs when cells divide and grow out of control, creating tumors in various parts of the body. Cancer of the prostate occurs when cells in the prostate are no longer well-regulated. Instead of dividing, maturing and dying in a careful process, the cells continue to split and form more cells.
Prostate cancer usually consists of multiple small tumors and can often be diagnosed and treated before it spreads. As with any type of cancer, early detection is crucial.

Types of Prostate Cancer

• Prostate cancer is categorized by grades and stages. The clinical staging of prostate cancer uses information your physician already has, such as results from a digital rectal exam. Pathological staging uses pre-existing information and results from the removal of the prostate and/or lymph nodes to determine how widespread the cancer is.
  Prostate cancer is graded using T (tumor), N (lymph node) and M (metastasis---the spread of the cancer to other parts of the body). T1 and T2 are used to classify prostate cancer that is in early stages, while T3 and T4 reflect prostate cancer that has reached an advanced state.

Symptoms

• Prostate cancer generally progresses slowly, which means it is often not detected until it has spread significantly. Some men do not experience any symptoms, but those who do may suffer pain in the lower back, hips and upper thighs, blood in urine or semen, difficulty obtaining and maintaining an erection, and urinary problems that can include weak stream, urine that starts and stops, pain or burning during urination, not being able to pass urine, and having to go to the bathroom frequently, especially at night.

Risk Factors

• While there is no exact known cause for prostate cancer, men with certain risk factors are far more likely to develop it. Men over the age of 65 are most at risk for developing prostate cancer, and if prostate cancer runs in your family or you are black you also have a higher risk. Genetic changes to certain chromosomes in your body and abnormal prostate cells also put you at a higher risk for developing prostate cancer.

Early Detection

• Early detection of prostate cancer can prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body and makes it easier to treat. Digital rectal exams and prostate-specific antigen blood tests are used by physicians to screen a man for prostate cancer, though they can only determine that there are abnormalities with the organ. Further tests are necessary to confirm the presence of prostate cancer.
  According to the National Cancer Institute, clinical trials are currently evaluating whether the use of digital rectal exams and PSA blood tests can detect prostate cancer early on and subsequently reduce the number of deaths that result.
  The American Cancer Society recommends early screening for men who are 50 years old or older, which can be done in a physician's office. Men who have a higher risk for prostate cancer should begin annual testing at age 45.
  By undergoing regular screenings, men are more likely to identify the condition at an earlier age, which provides them with more treatment options and reduces the side effects that must be endured. However, some in the medical community oppose regular screenings, noting that because prostate cancer generally grows very slowly, treatment side effects would most likely outweigh any benefit.

Treatment

• Prostate cancer can be treated in a variety of ways. Once a firm diagnosis has been made a man can discuss with his physician the best treatment option for his particular cancer. Watchful waiting, or active surveillance, is an option for men with cancer that is in its very early stages. Surgery, hormone therapy, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are all options for men with prostate cancer that is more advanced.
  A man's age, type of prostate cancer, symptoms and general health will all be used to determine the appropriate treatment.