The prostate, a key part of the male reproductive system, is a walnut-sized gland
located behind the base of the penis, in front of the rectum, and below the bladder.
The prostate's main function is to produce seminal fluid, the liquid in semen that
protects, supports and helps transport sperm.
Because of the gland’s function and position in a man’s body, prostate cancer
and its treatments can have serious adverse effects on a man’s life.
Prostate cancer begins when normal cells in the gland undergo changes leading to abnormal growth. It can grow quietly for years, which means most men with the disease have no obvious symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they often are similar to other, less serious, prostate conditions.
Symptoms include:
- difficulty urinating
- a weak urine stream
- a frequent urge to urinate, especially during the night
- painful or burning urination
- blood in the urine
When prostate cancer grows beyond the gland itself it may spread throughout the body
through the bloodstream or the lymphatic system. Prostate cancer that has spread to the bone
may also cause bone pain, particularly in the back, another symptom of the disease.
Prostate cancer is a common disease among older men – over 90 percent of prostate
cancer cases are diagnosed in men over 65 years of age. Because most prostate cancers
are slow growing, a majority of older men will die with prostate cancer, rather than from
prostate cancer. However, prostate cancer can be a very serious disease, and men are strongly
encouraged to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of screening for prostate cancer with
their physicians.
Last updated on 02/25/2005 11:08 pm.
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