Prostate Cancer Questions & Answers

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in the US, afflicting about one out of six men. It can be fatal, but detection and treatment are becoming increasingly reliable.

What Causes Prostate Cancer?

• As with any cancer, definitive causes are unknown, but there are specific risk factors associated with prostate cancer. Men are at increased risk if they are over 50, African-American or obese or if they have a family history of cancer or high testosterone levels.

What are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

• Symptoms of prostate cancer can include difficulty urinating, weak urine stream, halting urine flow, blood in urine or semen, swollen legs, pain or discomfort around the pelvis and bone pain or fractures.

How is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

• Prostate cancer is first checked for with a digital rectal exam. If the doctor finds cause for concern, follow-up tests include prostate-specific antigen tests, transrectal ultrasounds and a prostate biopsy. After confirmation, other tests will be needed to determine how far the cancer has spread.

How is Prostate Cancer Treated?

• Radiation therapy is the most common treatment for prostate cancer and may suffice in early stages. Other treatments include hormone therapy to reduce production of testosterone, a prostatectomy to remove the prostate if the cancer hasn't spread beyond it and chemotherapy.

How is Prostate Cancer Prevented?

• There is no guaranteed way to prevent any type of cancer. However, the risk can be reduced by not smoking, drinking alcohol in moderation or not at all and maintaining a safe weight with healthy diet and regular exercise,