Fast facts

The prostate is a small gland forming part of the male reproductive system. Its main function is to produce fluid which protects and enriches sperm. In younger men the prostate is about the size of a walnut. It is located below the bladder and is doughnut shaped, since it surrounds the beginning of the urethra. Prostate cancer is an abnormal growth of prostate cells, which form a lump (tumour) in the prostate. The Cancer Institute of NSW says that prostate cancer made up 14 per cent of new cancer cases detected in NSW in 2003 — a total of 4637. By 2011, the incidence of new cases is expected to be 5942, with prostate cancer the most common form of all cancers.

Dreaded ‘P’ word
Many men are afraid of their prostate. They shouldn’t be. In our series on cancer, Rebecca Codey focuses on the tiny gland called the prostate.

Volume 11, No. 15, August 24 , 2006

Each year in Australia 2600 men die of prostate cancer — equivalent to the number of women who die from breast cancer annually.
It is the most common cancer in Australian men after skin cancer, and the second highest cause of male cancer deaths.

Around 10,000 new cases of prostate cancer are diagnosed in Australian men every year, but many cases do not develop into terminal cases of cancer. It is potentially curable if detected and treated while still confined to the prostate gland. And early detection can be achieved with a PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) blood test or DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) testing.
Although prostate cancer is generally uncommon in men under 50, younger men with a history of prostate cancer in their family can be more susceptible than those without a family history of cancer.

According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia (PCFA) website, the disease is complicated because some cancers grow very slowly and don’t threaten life, while others grow more rapidly and do. Medical experts and researchers are currently trying to distinguish the cancers that are a threat to a patient from those that are not.

Causes

While the causes of prostate cancer are unknown, fatty foods are believed to play a role. There is some evidence that an adjustment of diet to reduce the intake of saturated fats and increase intake of fruit, vegetables and certain trace elements and food components may be beneficial.

Risk factors

The chance of developing prostate cancer increases:
As you get older. More than 70 per cent of all new prostate cancers are found in men over the age of 65;
If your father or brother has had prostate cancer.

Warning signs
Early prostate cancer rarely causes symptoms. This is because the cancer is not large enough to put pressure on the urethra. However, if the cancer grows and spreads beyond the prostate (advanced prostate cancer), it may cause the following problems:
pain or burning when urinating;
pain during ejaculation;
blood in the urine;
pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs.

These symptoms are common to many conditions and may not be advanced prostate cancer. If you are concerned, see your doctor.
Most men will seek testing for prostate cancer for the following reasons:
As part of a general checkup, usually after 50 years of age;
Due to a recent experience with a relative or friend who has suffered from prostate cancer;
A family history of prostate cancer; or
A recent onset of urinary symptoms which may have alerted the patient to that area of the body.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia encourages men to make up their own mind as to whether they are tested for prostate cancer after considering what their main concern is, what their risk of developing the cancer is, and after understanding the pros and cons of early detection.

Treatment options
There are now so many ways of curing a man with prostate cancer and early detection and promotion of the disease has become a much more important aspect in overcoming this major disease.
The major dilemma with prostate cancer is that many of these cancers are slow growing and, in older men, may not need treating. Men with a life expectancy of less than 10 years will rarely benefit from radical treatment of early prostate cancer.

Treatment differs depending on whether the cancer is in an early or advanced stage.
In the early stage of development, the prostate may be removed surgically or treated with different forms of radiation. The side effects of potentially curative treatments for localised prostate cancer include a significant risk of impotence or, less commonly, urinary incontinence and bowel problems. Side effects vary for different treatment types. Advanced cancers are treated by hormone therapy, but cannot be cured.
Seek medical advice from your doctor or telephone the Cancer Council helpline on 13 11 20 if you have concerns for your health.