What is Prostate Cancer?

According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), of all the men who are diagnosed with cancer each year, more than one-fourth have prostate cancer.

The prostate is a gland in males that's involved in the production of semen, located between the bladder and the rectum. A normal prostate gland is the size of a walnut and it surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder. If the prostate grows too large, the flow of urine can be slowed or stopped.

Prostate cancer is the result of abnormal cell growth in the prostate, and, unlike most types of cancer, prostate cancer tends to grow slowly.

Common Symptoms

• A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
• Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
• Inability to urinate
• Weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Painful or burning urination
• Difficulty in having an erection
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood in urine or semen
• Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs

Any of these symptoms may be caused by cancer or by other, less serious health problems, such as BPH or an infection. If you have symptoms like these, you should see your doctor or a urologist.

Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

Following tests can be performed to find out the cause of your symptoms. These tests include:

• Digital rectal examination
• Transrectal ultrasonography
• PSA
• Intravenous pyelogram
• Cystoscopy