Prostate Cancer
Learn more about Prostate Cancer.
Overview - Prostate Cancer
The prostate is a small walnut-sized gland located below your bladder that surrounds your urethra. It produces prostatic fluid that mixes with fluid from your seminal vesicles to form semen. Sperm is carried through tubes from your testicles to the prostate where it mixes with semen. As men age the prostate grows often causing obstruction; this is referred to as BPH.
Conditions - Prostate Cancer
Although we don’t yet know exactly what causes prostate cancer, we do know that the male hormone, testosterone, stimulates prostate cells to grow. Scientists have also identified a few risk factors for prostate cancer—most notably age, genetics, race, and lifestyle. The average age of diagnosis is age 70 years, with most cases found in men over age 55 years.
Diagnosing Prostate Cancer
The 2 ways doctors screen for prostate cancer are through digital rectal examination (DRE) and PSA test. Your doctor can perform a DRE during your annual physical examination. You will be asked to either bend over, or lie on your side. Your doctor will briefly insert a lubricated gloved finger into your rectum to examine the size, contour and consistency of your prostate gland.
Treating Prostate Cancer
Currently, there are many treatment options for prostate cancer, including surgery, radiation therapy, cryosurgery, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy. You will need to discuss with your doctor (and, if appropriate, with your partner) which option is right for you.
