Prostate cancer

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumour of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system and surrounds the urethra beneath the urinary bladder. The walnut-sized gland produces the liquid that carries the semen through the penis. In 50% of men after the age of 50 noticeable changes of the prostate gland are visible. About one in three men over the age of 50 have some cancer cells within their prostate and nearly all men over the age of 80 have a small area of prostate cancer. Changes of the prostate gland do not necessarily indicate prostate cancer. In 50% of the cases the gland enlarges, beginning in the inner part of the gland and generating typical symptoms such as: frequent urination, a burning sensations while urinating and also difficulties urinating. This prostate enlargement is benign.

Prostate cancer develops on the surface of the prostate and is therefore not noticed in the early stage of the cancer. The first symptoms appear when the tumour spreads and reaches the urethra. The exerted pressure on the urethra evokes similar symptoms as described above. The tumour may even leave the prostate gland and spread on to surrounding lymph nodes and organs such as the bladder or bowel. If this is the case the chances are high that the tumour has entered the bloodstream and metastasised in other parts of the body. Typical areas for prostate cancer are bones, liver and lung. Metastasis decrease the chance of curing the cancer.

What causes prostate cancer?

Various reasons can cause prostate cancer. Especially the hormone testosterone and the exceeding age of 60 promotes prostate cancer. Still under survey are genetic causes, environmental influences such as diet, living- and working conditions. However it is quite likely that a fatty diet made up of mainly meat and little vegetables enhance the risk of prostate cancer.

How can prostate cancer be treated?

Prostate cancer can be cured if detected at an early stage and has not yet spread to other areas. Through an operation or radiotherapy the tumour can be eliminated. At a later stage, when the tumour has settled in other areas of the body a cure is rather unlikely. The aim of the treatment, usually chemotherapy or medication, is then applied to ease the patients pain and improve his living quality.