Prostate health -
The two main treatments for early-stage prostate cancer are surgery and radiation therapy. The goal of these treatments is to get rid of the cancer for good. They have about the same success in treating the cancer. You can talk with your doctor about which treatment is best for you.
A radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate, seminal vesicles and nearby tissue. Often the lymph nodes in the pelvis that drain from the prostate are also removed. This procedure calls for anesthesia and a short hospital stay. After surgery, your surgeon will review your final pathology report with you.
The pathology report will tell you your final Gleason Score based on all the cancer that was in your prostate. As with all surgery, there is risk for bleeding, infection and pain in the short term.
The main side effects from this surgery are erectile dysfunction ED and urinary incontinence loss of urine control. Most men recover the control of their bladder within several months.
For some men, erections can recover, but sometimes not all the way. Your surgeon can help you manage these side effects or give you a referral to other specialists who can help. External beam radiation therapy EBRT sends a targeted photon beam x-ray of radiation from outside the body to the prostate.
A small amount of radiation is delivered in daily doses to the prostate for a number of weeks. Your health care team will limit radiation going to healthy organs like the bladder and rectum.
Newer EBRT technology makes three-dimensional images with conformal radiotherapy 3DCRT , Proton Beam Therapy PBT or Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy SBRT. Prostate Brachytherapy Internal Radiation Therapy is radiation treatment targeting the prostate from inside the body.
Radioactive material is placed in the prostate using needles or a tube. There are two types of brachytherapy:.
Common side effects after radiation are urinary incontinence, bowel problems and ED. Urinary and bowel problems get better for most men. Erections gradually soften over a period of two or more years. Your doctor will discuss these side effects with you and help you manage them. Ask your doctor about the effect of different radiation approaches on your erectile function.
Some treatments are less likely to cause ED. Sometimes radiation therapy is combined with hormone therapy to shrink the prostate before starting treatment. Or hormone therapy may be combined with external beam therapy to make the radiation more effective.
Hormone therapy is called Androgen Deprivation Therapy ADT. ADT fights prostate cancer by removing testosterone from the body. The loss of testosterone helps fight cancer but may include major side effects such as loss of libido, ED, hot flashes, changes in body fat and emotions.
There could be other body changes as well. It is best to talk to your doctor about this. Cryotherapy or cryoablation for prostate cancer is the controlled freezing of the prostate gland. The freezing kills cancer cells. Special needles called "cryoprobes", guided by ultrasound, are placed in the prostate to direct the freezing process.
Cryotherapy is done under general or spinal anesthesia. After cryotherapy, a patient is checked with routine PSA tests and biopsy. Possible side effects include ED, incontinence and other urinary or bowel problems.
Your doctor will discuss with you how to manage them. Focal therapy is a treatment under study for men with small, early-stage prostate tumors. Small tumors inside the prostate are targeted and destroyed without having to remove or radiate the whole prostate. This targeted approach leads to less intense side effects.
Once you have finished treatment, you may have to manage side effects. You will also make a long-term plan with your doctor for future tests.
These tests check to make sure you stay cancer-free. Men may have sexual health problems following their cancer diagnosis or treatments.
Erectile dysfunction ED is when a man finds it hard to get or keep an erection strong enough for sex. ED happens when there is not enough blood flow to the penis, or when nerves to the penis are harmed. Treatments for cancer, along with emotional stress, can lead to ED.
There are treatments that may help ED. They include pills, vacuum pumps, urethral suppositories, penile injections and implants. Treatment can be individualized. Some treatments may work better for you than others. They have their own set of side effects. A doctor can talk with you about the pros and cons of each method.
They can help you decide which single treatment or combination of treatments is right for you. There may be a change in orgasm for men treated with surgery as they no longer ejaculate or ejaculate a small volume of urine because the prostate, which makes semen, has been removed.
However, it is still possible to have an orgasm. After prostate cancer surgery or radiation, you may experience a loss of urine control. Incontinence is the inability to control the release of urine and can sometimes happen with prostate cancer treatment. There are different types of incontinence:.
Short—term incontinence after surgery is common. If you have SUI, you may only need to wear a pad for a few weeks to months.
Incontinence often does not last long and urinary control will return. For a few men, it can last as long as six to twelve months. Because incontinence may affect your physical and emotional recovery, it is of great value to understand how to manage this problem.
There are treatment choices to help incontinence. Long—term incontinence lasting more than a year is rare. It happens in less than 5—10 percent of all surgical cases.
If it does happen, talk to your doctor about your choices for care. HIFU uses the energy of sound waves to target and superheat the tumor to kill cells with the help of MRI scans.
It can be used for the whole gland. This uses a needle-thin probe to circle the tumor with a special solution that kills the tumor by freezing it. This uses a "NanoKnife" to pass an electrical current through the tumor.
The electricity creates very tiny openings called pores in the tumor's cells, leading to cell death. For men with small, localized prostate tumors , focal therapy may be an option. Focal therapy is a general term for a few methods.
They kill small tumors inside the prostate, without destroying the whole gland or healthy tissue nearby. There are a few types of focal therapy in clinical trials. Ideally, focal therapy would lead to fewer side effects including changes in urinary function. The long-term benefits of focal therapy are not yet known.
Research is being done to study this further. Right now, the FDA has approved this method to destroy prostate tissue, but not clearly to treat prostate cancer. Because many of these treatments are so new, insurance coverage is not often available.
Prostate cancer cells use the hormone testosterone to grow, similar to our need for food. Hormonal therapy is also known as androgen deprivation therapy ADT. It uses drugs to block or lower testosterone and other male sex hormones that fuel cancer.
ADT essentially starves prostate cancer cells of testosterone. ADT is used to slow cancer growth in cancers that are advanced or have come back after initial local aggressive therapy. It is also used for a short time during and after radiation therapy.
Surgery: Removes the testicles and glands that produce testosterone with a procedure called an orchiectomy. Medication: There are a variety of medications used for ADT.
There are two types that are used at first. One is the injection of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone LH-RHs inhibitors. These are also called either agonists or antagonists. They suppress the body's natural ability to turn on testosterone production.
A second type which is often given with the first type are called non-steroidal anti-androgens. These pills block testosterone from working. These therapies have been used for many years and are often offered as the first option for men who can't have or don't want other treatments.
Hormone therapy usually works for a while maybe for years until the cancer "learns" how to bypass this treatment. There are new medications available in recent years that may be used after other hormone therapy fails.
This condition is called "castration-resistant prostate cancer" CRPC. For more information on this, review our Advanced Prostate Cancer website article. To block the production of androgens in CRPC patients, there are a few options.
The drug Abiraterone Zytiga , given with prednisone, is one option that blocks an enzyme called CYP17, to stop these cells from making androgens. Another option is a drug, enzalutamide Xtandi ® that blocks the testosterone from working in a different way.
This medication blocks signals in cells that tell it to grow and divide. Like other hormone therapies, these options also only work for a while. When they stop working, chemotherapy may be an option.
Hormone therapy has been linked to heart disease, diabetes and the loss of bone. You should discuss these risks with your doctor before you begin this treatment for prostate cancer. Hot flashes and fatigue are also short-term side effects of hormone treatment.
The same is true for the loss of sexual drive. Chemotherapy uses drugs to destroy cancer cells anywhere in the body. It is used for advanced stages of prostate cancer. It is also used when cancer has metastasized spread into other organs or tissue. The drugs circulate in the bloodstream. Because they kill any rapidly growing cell, they attack both cancerous cells and non-cancerous ones.
Dose and frequency are carefully controlled to reduce the side effects this may cause. Often, chemotherapy is used with other treatments. It is not the main treatment for prostate cancer patients.
Many chemotherapy drugs are given intravenously with a needle in a vein. Others are taken by mouth. They are given in the healthcare provider's office or at home.
You generally do not need to stay in the hospital for chemotherapy. They are often given once per month for several months. Over the last 10 years, chemotherapy has helped many patients with CRPC. Recently, chemotherapy has also been found to help patients with advanced prostate cancer when given at the same time as standard hormone therapy.
Yet, chemotherapy may only works for a while. The side effects from chemotherapy should be considered. Side effects depend on the drug, the dose and how long the treatment lasts. The most common side effects are fatigue feeling very tired , nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and hair loss.
A change in your sense of taste and touch is also possible. There is an increased risk of infections and anemia because of lower blood cell counts. Most of these side effects can be managed, and lessen once treatment ends. Immunotherapy stimulates your body's immune system to find and attack cancer cells.
There are several approaches used in immunotherapy. Most of these are now in clinical trials and have not yet been approved for routine use. Provenge® is one type of immunotherapy that is already FDA approved. It has been shown to help slow cancer growth in men with advanced prostate cancer.
For this treatment, the medical team must remove immature immune cells from the man with advanced prostate cancer. Then the cells are re-engineered to recognize and attack prostate cancer cells, and put back into the body.
While cancer doctors are excited about the potential of immune therapies, clinical trials have not yet shown clear successful results. So far, most immunotherapy approaches have only mild to moderate side effects.
A healthy diet may increase your energy levels and enhance your immune system. It is of great value to think about the foods you eat and to try to maintain a healthy weight. Healthy eating habits can improve your health and risks.
Because prostate cancer treatment can affect your appetite, eating habits and weight, it is of great value to try your best to eat healthy. There are ways to help you get the nutrition you need. Physical exercise may improve your physical and emotional health.
It can also help you manage your weight, maintain muscle and bone strength and help manage side effects. If approved by your doctor, you may want to exercise one to three hours per week. This can include walking or more intense exercise. Physical exercise may help you to:. Pelvic floor exercise may help men being treated for prostate cancer.
The pelvic floor is a group of muscles and structures in your pelvis between your legs. The pelvic floor supports the bowel, bladder and sexual organs.
They help with urinary and fecal functions as well as sexual performance. The muscles contract and relax, just like any other muscle in your body. Pelvic floor exercises can help with side effects like erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence.
After treatment, some men feel relieved the cancer is gone. Many men may worry about cancer coming back recurrence. If the cancer returns, you and your doctor will talk about next steps and make a plan. Some men are upset by the side effects of treatment.
Those feelings are normal and will get better as you learn to manage your side effects and see improvements. Whatever you are feeling, it is worth telling your doctor. Cancer is always stressful and a trained counselor may help you manage your mental health.
If you have a partner, be sure that your partner is a part of what you are going through. Couples cope better when they approach cancer treatment and the side effects of treatment as a team. If you do not have a partner, talk to a friend you trust about what you are going through.
If you find you and your partner are not coping well, feel down or very anxious, it may help to talk to a counselor or a sex therapist to get support. Most men choose to talk with their doctors before making a treatment choice.
Even if you have done a lot of research on your own, talking with your doctor may help you sort out your thoughts. Here are some sample questions you might ask when you see your doctor:. Clinical trials are research studies involving real patients to test if a new treatment or procedure is safe, effective and maybe better than established options.
The goal is to learn which treatments work best for certain illnesses or groups of people. Clinical trials follow strict scientific standards. These standards help protect patients and produce more reliable study results. Are you interested in participating in a clinical trial for prostate cancer?
Ask your doctor if you qualify for a specific prostate cancer trial. Learn as much as you can about the benefits and risks of the study. To search for information on current clinical trials for the treatment of bladder cancer visit the Clinical Trials Resource Center —you may also visit the National Institutes of Health website.
Each year, more men are surviving prostate cancer and winning back their lives. Prostate cancer can be a manageable disease if caught early and treated appropriately.
Once you have finished treatment, it is time to manage your side effects. It is time to create a long-term schedule with your doctor for future tests. It's also time to go on with your life.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the side effects or problems you have after treatment. You and your healthcare provider can decide your best next steps. If you haven't yet started treatment, consider the expertise of your doctor before you begin.
With more experienced surgeons, the risk of permanent side effects, like incontinence, is lower. After treatment, you may feel very emotional. You may also worry about cancer returning. Many men still feel anxious and unsure, or upset about treatment side effects.
Whatever you're feeling, it's important to tell your healthcare provider about it. Work together. Build a plan with your provider or a counselor to deal with your emotional health and general wellbeing.
Erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence are the side effects reported most often by men following prostate cancer treatment. After prostate cancer, many men experience erectile dysfunction ED.
An erection happens when sexual arousal causes nerves near the prostate to send signals. The signals cause the blood vessels in the penis to fill with blood. The blood in the vessels makes the penis erect. ED happens when this process doesn't work well or is damaged from surgery or radiation and a man cannot keep an erection long enough for sexual satisfaction.
Your doctor can help you understand the causes of ED and therapies that could help you recover. Nerves involved in the erection process surround the prostate gland.
Surgery may damage the nerve bundles that control blood flow to the penis, causing ED. Or, these nerves may be removed with the cancer. Radiation therapy also can damage the erectile nerves causing ED. In addition, the amount of blood flowing to the penis can decrease after treatment.
If treatment causes ED, there is still a chance for erectile function to come back over time unless both nerves were destroyed. It may take up to 24 months or longer before you are able to have a full erection, but it is possible.
Some men recover sooner. The average time for erections that allow intercourse is between 4 and 24 months. Men under age 60 have a better chance of regaining erections than older men. Even with nerve-sparing surgery, erections do not return right away or to full pre-surgery function.
But, they may recover enough for sex. There are medicines and devices to treat ED. There are several treatments that can help ED. They include pills, vacuum pumps, urethral suppositories, penile injections and penile implants. Individual treatments don't work for every patient.
A healthcare provider can talk with you about the pros and cons of each method. They can help you decide which individual or combination of treatments is right for you.
Urinary incontinence can sometimes result from prostate cancer treatment. Urinary incontinence is urine leakage without your control. Men may have many types of incontinence after prostate surgery. It is common to have incontinence for a time after prostate surgery. If you have stress incontinence, you may need to wear pads for a few weeks or months.
In most cases, urinary control will return. Still, incontinence may last as long as 6 to 12 months. It's rare for it to last more than a year. Treatment for incontinence depends on the type and severity of the problem. Ask your doctor about treatment choices, risks and benefits, and what you should expect.
Prostate cancer may return. Durable or long-term remission depends on the specifics of your cancer. If you'd like to learn more about how to manage advanced prostate cancer, read our advanced prostate cancer article. We are proud to announce a new podcast series geared toward helping give support, hope and guidance to prostate cancer caregivers.
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Please use the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Chrome, Firefox or Safari MacOS. Thank you. Urology Health - What is Prostate Cancer? Urology A-Z Prostate Cancer — Early-Stage. What is Prostate Cancer? What is the Prostate? Diagram of the Male Reproductive System Enlarge.
Symptoms of prostate cancer can be: Dull pain in the lower pelvic area Frequent urinating Trouble urinating, pain, burning, or weak urine flow Blood in the urine Hematuria Painful ejaculation Pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs Loss of appetite Loss of weight Bone pain Updated August Age: As men age, their risk of getting prostate cancer goes up.
Harm to the DNA or genetic material of prostate cells is more likely for men over the age of Ethnicity: African American men have a higher rate of the disease. One in six African American men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Family History: Men who have a grandfather, father or brother with prostate cancer face a higher risk of getting the disease.
Weight: Studies link being overweight in your 50s and later to a greater risk of advanced prostate cancer. Doctors advise keeping to a healthy weight to reduce risk.
What are the Signs of Prostate Cancer? Talk with your doctor if you have any of these symptoms: Dull pain in the lower pelvic zone Frequent need to pass urine Trouble passing urine, pain, burning or weak urine flow Blood in the urine hematuria Painful ejaculation Pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs Loss of hunger Loss of weight Bone pain.
If you fall into any of the groups below, you should think about talking to your doctor to see if screening is right for you: Between 45—69 years old African American Have a family history of prostate cancer Have symptoms Blood Tests The PSA blood test measures a protein in your blood called the prostate-specific antigen PSA.
Digital Rectal Exam The digital rectal exam DRE is a physical exam used to help your doctor feel for changes in your prostate. Illustration of the Digital Rectal Exam DRE Enlarge. How is Prostate Cancer Graded and Staged? Grading with the Gleason Score and staging defines the progress of cancer and whether it has spread: Grading When prostate cancer cells are found in tissue from the core biopsies, the pathologist "grades" it.
Staging Tumor stage is also measured. See More See Less Imaging Tests Not all men need imaging tests. What Are The Survival Rates For Prostate Cancer? Updated August Your treatment plan will consider: The stage and grade of the cancer Gleason score and TNM stage Your risk category whether the cancer is low-, intermediate- or high-risk Your age and health Your preferences about side effects and long-term effects of treatment Your treatment goals Results from other diagnostic tests When you get your prostate cancer diagnosis, think over your range of treatment choices.
Active Surveillance Active Surveillance is best if you have a small and slowgrowing cancer. Watchful Waiting Watchful waiting is a way to track the cancer without treating it. Surgery A radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate, seminal vesicles and nearby tissue.
There are four types of radical prostatectomy surgery: Robotic Assisted Laparoscopic Radical Prostatectomy RALP. In this surgery, five very small incisions cuts are made in the lower abdomen through which instruments and a small camera are guided to allow the surgeon access to remove the prostate.
ca, nor do we endorse any service, product, treatment or therapy. Home Cancer information Cancer types Prostate What is prostate cancer Print. What is prostate cancer? Last medical review: February See topics Prostate cancer What is prostate cancer Risks Finding cancer early Signs and symptoms Diagnosis Grading Staging If cancer spreads Prognosis and survival Treatment Supportive care Statistics.
Prostate cancer What is prostate cancer Risks Finding cancer early Signs and symptoms Diagnosis Grading Staging If cancer spreads Prognosis and survival Treatment Supportive care Statistics.
Diagram of the location of the prostate. Rare cancerous tumours of the prostate. Possible precancerous conditions of the prostate. Non-cancerous conditions of the prostate. The most common non-cancerous conditions of the prostate are: prostatitis benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH.
Expert review Peter Chung, MBChB, FRCPC. References American Cancer Society. Treating Prostate Cancer. American Society of Clinical Oncology. Prostate Cancer. Tracy, CR. PDQ® Adult Treatment Editorial Board. Prostate Cancer Treatment PDQ® —Patient Version. Prostate Cancer Treatment PDQ® —Health Professional Version.
Zelefsky MJ, Morris MJ, Eastham JA. Cancer of the prostate. DeVita VT Jr. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; The prostate. Prostate cancer starts in the prostate. The prostate is part of the reproductive and urinary systems. Learn more on The prostate. Prostatitis is a non-cancerous condition of the prostate.
It is a common condition that can affect men at any age. Learn more on Prostatitis. Benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH. Benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH is a non-cancercous condtion of the prostate caused by an overgrowth of cells called hyperplasia.
Learn more on Benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH. Our enewsletter. Enter your email to receive occasional news and important updates!
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Prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia PIN is an abnormal condition of the epithelial cells that line the glands of the prostate. It can affect more than one area of the prostate called multifocal PIN.
PIN is usually found by a biopsy to check for prostate cancer or during a transurethral resection of the prostate TURP.
PIN can be classified as low grade or high grade. Many men with PIN will never develop prostate cancer but if high-grade PIN is found, there is a greater chance of developing prostate cancer over time. Proliferative inflammatory atrophy PIA means that there are areas of inflammation in the prostate and the prostate cells look smaller than normal.
PIA is not cancerous. Some research suggests a link between PIA and high-grade PIN or prostate cancer and some research does not. Atypical small acinar proliferation ASAP is an abnormal growth of gland cells in the prostate.
Some men with ASAP may have prostate cancer, so doctors may recommend doing a follow-up biopsy in 6 months. If the repeat biopsy also shows ASAP, doctors may recommend treatment. A non-cancerous benign condition of the prostate is a change to prostate cells, but it is not cancer.
Non-cancerous conditions do not spread metastasize to other parts of the body and are not usually life-threatening. The information that the Canadian Cancer Society provides does not replace your relationship with your doctor. The information is for your general use, so be sure to talk to a qualified healthcare professional before making medical decisions or if you have questions about your health.
We do our best to make sure that the information we provide is accurate and reliable but cannot guarantee that it is error-free or complete. The Canadian Cancer Society is not responsible for the quality of the information or services provided by other organizations and mentioned on cancer.
ca, nor do we endorse any service, product, treatment or therapy. Home Cancer information Cancer types Prostate What is prostate cancer Print. What is prostate cancer? Last medical review: February See topics Prostate cancer What is prostate cancer Risks Finding cancer early Signs and symptoms Diagnosis Grading Staging If cancer spreads Prognosis and survival Treatment Supportive care Statistics.
Prostate cancer What is prostate cancer Risks Finding cancer early Signs and symptoms Diagnosis Grading Staging If cancer spreads Prognosis and survival Treatment Supportive care Statistics.
Diagram of the location of the prostate. Rare cancerous tumours of the prostate. Possible precancerous conditions of the prostate. Non-cancerous conditions of the prostate. The most common non-cancerous conditions of the prostate are: prostatitis benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH.
Expert review Peter Chung, MBChB, FRCPC. References American Cancer Society. Treating Prostate Cancer. American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Prostate Cancer. Tracy, CR. PDQ® Adult Treatment Editorial Board. Prostate Cancer Treatment PDQ® —Patient Version.
Prostate Cancer Treatment PDQ® —Health Professional Version. Zelefsky MJ, Morris MJ, Eastham JA. Cancer of the prostate. DeVita VT Jr. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer; The prostate. Prostate cancer starts in the prostate. The prostate is part of the reproductive and urinary systems.
Learn more on The prostate. Prostatitis is a non-cancerous condition of the prostate. It is a common condition that can affect men at any age. Learn more on Prostatitis. Benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH. Benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH is a non-cancercous condtion of the prostate caused by an overgrowth of cells called hyperplasia.
Learn more on Benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH. Our enewsletter. Enter your email to receive occasional news and important updates!
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: Prostate health| What is prostate cancer? | Canadian Cancer Society | Rock CL, Thomson C, Gansler T, et al. American Cancer Society guideline for diet and physical activity for cancer prevention. CA Cancer J Clin. Sartor AO. Risk factors for prostate cancer. Siddiqui MM, Wilson KM, Epstein MM, et al. Vasectomy and risk of aggressive prostate cancer: A year follow-up study. J Clin Oncol. Zelefsky MJ, Morris MJ, Eastham JA. Chapter Cancer of the Prostate. In: DeVita VT, Lawrence TS, Rosenberg SA, eds. American Cancer Society medical information is copyrighted material. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy. Sign up to stay up-to-date with news, valuable information, and ways to get involved with the American Cancer Society. If this was helpful, donate to help fund patient support services, research, and cancer content updates. Skip to main content. Sign Up For Email. Understanding Cancer What Is Cancer? Cancer Glossary Anatomy Gallery. 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Chat live online Select the Live Chat button at the bottom of the page. A man with two or more first-degree male relatives father and brothers who have developed prostate cancer has five to 10 times greater risk than a man with no affected first-degree relatives. Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift. The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness , is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School. Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health , plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise , pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more. Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. 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Prostate Health The prostate gland isn't big—about the size of a walnut—but its location virtually guarantees problems if something goes awry. pagination; this. articles; }. Result - of. View All. Prostate function - What does my prostate do? Free Healthbeat Signup Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox! Newsletter Signup Sign Up. Close Thanks for visiting. The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness , is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health , plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise , pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more. I want to get healthier. Close Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss Close Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness. Certain behaviours, substances or conditions can affect your risk, or chance, of developing cancer. Some things increase your risk and some things decrease it. Most cancers are the result of many risks. But sometimes cancer develops in people who don't have any risks. The risk for prostate cancer increases as men get older. The chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer is greater after age Prostate cancer is most often diagnosed in men in their 60s. Family history of prostate cancer. Black ethnicity including African or Caribbean ancestry. Obesity or overweight. Tall adult height. Inherited gene mutations. There is convincing evidence that having a family history of prostate cancer increases your risk of developing the disease. This risk is higher if one of your first-degree relatives your father, brother or son has been diagnosed. The more first-degree relatives with prostate cancer you have, the greater your risk of developing prostate cancer. Prostate cancer risk also depends on your relative's age at diagnosis. If your relative was diagnosed with prostate cancer before the age of 65, your chance of developing prostate cancer is higher than if your relative was diagnosed at an older age. Prostate cancer occurs in Black men including men of African or Caribbean ancestry more often than in men of other ethnicities. Black men are also more likely to have prostate tumours that grow and spread quickly and more likely to die from prostate cancer compared to other men. There is strong evidence that having obesity or overweight increases the risk for prostate cancer. Having these conditions makes it more likely that prostate cancer will be diagnosed at a later stage. High body fat is also linked with a higher risk of developing high grade prostate cancer. Your risk for prostate cancer is higher if you have excess weight with a high body mass index BMI a large waist measurement — your waist is 94 cm 37 inches or larger a high waist-to-hip ratio — your waist measurement divided by your hip measurement is 1. There is evidence that being a tall adult man increases the risk for prostate cancer. Several factors that lead to tall adult height, such as genetics and rate of growth during childhood, seem to contribute to the greater risk. Some inherited gene mutations may increase the chance of developing prostate cancer. Only a very small number of prostate cancer cases are linked with inherited gene mutations. Right now, gene testing is not commonly done for prostate cancer. The 2 most common gene mutations related to prostate cancer are HOXB13 and BRCA2. The BRCA2 gene mutation also increases the risk for breast or ovarian cancer. Researchers are studying many other gene mutations that may affect the risk of developing prostate cancer. The following have been linked with prostate cancer, but there is not enough evidence to know for sure that they are risks. More research is needed. There is some evidence that diets high in dairy products and calcium may increase the risk for prostate cancer. Milk, yogurt and cheese are examples of dairy products and are also foods high in calcium. Some research shows that men who have low levels of vitamin E or selenium in their blood may have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. But there is not enough research to show that increasing the intake of vitamin E or selenium through diet or supplements can lower the risk for prostate cancer. Some evidence suggests that contact with the following chemicals may increase the risk for prostate cancer. Pesticides used in agriculture jobs are linked with a higher risk for prostate cancer. The risk may be even higher for men with a family history of prostate cancer. Researchers don't know how much exposure to pesticides and which specific chemicals affect prostate cancer risk. |
| Medical disclaimer | A very small amount of radioactive material is injected into a vein and travels through the bloodstream. A clinical trial is a study to answer a scientific question, such as whether one treatment is better than another. Cancer can spread through tissue , the lymph system , and the blood :. For starters, there's the DRE, the digital rectal exam. These Boards are made up of experts in cancer treatment and other specialties related to cancer. You'll be asked whether you have symptoms, how long you've had them, and how much they affect your lifestyle. |
| Expert review and references | Prostats cancer Uealth return. Kegel exercises Prostate health strengthen Prostate health bladder Weight management for athletes muscles. Some clinical trials are open only to patients heslth have not started treatment. Targeted therapy with a monoclonal antibodysuch as denosumab. Even with nerve-sparing surgery, erections do not return right away or to full pre-surgery function. Your healthcare provider may recommend a pelvic CT scanan MRI scan or a bone scan to check if your cancer has spread. |
| Prostate cancer - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic | While it is small, it has an important role in reproductive health and can cause voiding or urinary symptoms as men age, as well becoming a source of cancer. Like other kinds of cancer, prostate cancer starts when cells mutate. These small changes in DNA cause the cells to grow faster and live longer than they normally would. As these abnormal cells accumulate, they monopolize resources from normal cells, which can damage surrounding tissue. These cancerous cells can then spread to other parts of the body. By definition, prostate cancer only affects bodies with male reproductive organs. But in addition, there are some other risk factors that we can monitor. Age is a big one, as prostate cancer is more prevalent in older men, which is why testing is encouraged as men age. For reasons that are unclear, Black men also have a greater risk compared to other races or ethnicities. Being at a higher weight as another possible risk factor. Genetics can also play a role in prostate cancer. A family history of prostate cancer or certain kinds of breast cancer increases the likelihood of being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Well, it's not a guarantee, there are plenty of steps you can take to reduce your risk. A healthy diet and exercise helps your body's overall well-being and can lower your chances of getting prostate cancer. A big reason to get regular testing is that prostate cancer usually has no presenting symptoms. And when they do show up, it generally indicates a worse stage of cancer. When symptoms do occur, they can include: trouble urinating or decreased force of stream, blood in the urine or semen, bone pain, unexpected weight loss, and unexplained fevers. If you consistently notice any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor right away. How is it diagnosed? There are a variety of ways to detect prostate cancer in both physical exam and from the blood. For starters, there's the DRE, the digital rectal exam. Just like the name suggests, the doctor inserts their finger and your rectum to feel the prostate to detect any abnormalities. You can also get a blood test to look for prostate-specific antigen, or PSA. It is recommended that you have this as well as the physical exam. And if there are any abnormalities, there are additional tests that can be used. If prostate cancer is detected, the next step is figuring out how fast it grows. Fortunately, prostate cancer often doesn't grow very fast. Prostate cancer is graded by a Gleason score, which measures how abnormal or different from normal cells are. There are also other tests to see if the cancer has spread: bone scan, CT scan, MRI, and even specific PET scans. Your doctor will be able to determine which, if any, is appropriate for you. Treatments are most effective when the cancer is caught early. In fact, immediate treatment isn't always necessary. Keeping an eye on the cancer until it grows bigger is sometimes enough. When cancer is localized only to the prostate, surgery to remove the prostate, or a radical prostatectomy, could be your best option. Radiation is another possibility. With external beam radiation, high-energy beams that deliver photons, target and kill the abnormal cells of the prostate from outside your body. Another treatment is chemotherapy, which uses powerful chemicals, destroy the cancer cells. Cryotherapy, which freezes the cancer cells, or heat, can be used to kill the cancer cells with high-intensity focused ultrasound. Consider that prostate cancer uses male hormone or testosterone as an important factor for growth. In some prostate cancers, it may be beneficial to block that hormone with androgen deprivation therapy, or ADT, which can slow the cancer or even put it in remission. It is generally not curative and usually the cancer will find a way to grow even with the lack of testosterone. Sometimes ADT is used in combination to enhance the treatment success of other therapies, such as with radiation. All of these treatments have side effects of various degrees and have different success rates of treating prostate cancer. It's important that you have a candid discussion with your family and your care team and weigh all that information to make the best choice for you. Support groups for cancer survivors can be helpful in dealing with the stress of the diagnosis and treatments. As we've seen here, research and scientific advancement has provided us with a host of options for this extremely treatable form of cancer. And with early detection, your chances are even better. While it may not be a thing people want to think about, it's an important part of your health and an expert medical care team can guide you to the solutions that are most tailored for you, your wishes and your body. If you'd like to learn even more about prostate cancer, watch our other related videos or visit mayoclinic. We wish you well. Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate gland. The gland sits just below the bladder in males. It surrounds the top part of the tube that drains urine from the bladder, called the urethra. This illustration shows a healthy prostate gland and a prostate gland with cancer. Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and are confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause serious harm. However, while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or even no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly. Prostate cancer that's detected early — when it's still confined to the prostate gland — has the best chance for successful treatment. Make an appointment with your doctor if you have any persistent signs or symptoms that worry you. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. While the early stages of prostate cancer may be asymptomatic, prostate problems are often accompanied by uncomfortable symptoms, such as 1 , 5 , 6 , 7 :. Supplements cannot cure or treat prostate-related issues. However, many claim to help prevent or lessen the symptoms associated with prostate problems, generally by reducing inflammation. The prostate gland wraps around the urethra and helps produce fluid in semen. Prostatitis, BPH, and prostate cancer are the most common prostate issues and often lead to lower urinary tract symptoms. However, limited studies suggest that some ingredients may help lessen some of the uncomfortable symptoms associated with prostate issues. Still, while some ingredients may help make you more comfortable, others may be ineffective or possibly harmful to prostate health. Saw palmetto Serenoa repens is one of the most common ingredients in prostate health supplements. Specifically, saw palmetto berries and extracts are used to help treat urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH. One study in men with BPH found that taking mg of saw palmetto extract capsules 4 times per day for 12 weeks significantly improved prostate symptom scores, urinary flow rate, and quality of life scores Similarly, two older studies found improvements in urinary tract symptoms in men after taking saw palmetto supplements daily for 3—6 months 12 , While promising, the research on the effectiveness of saw palmetto for symptoms of BPH in humans is limited. Additionally, study findings on its effectiveness for BPH symptoms have been mixed. In one review of 17 studies that lasted 4—72 weeks, saw palmetto was found to be no more effective at reducing urinary tract symptoms than a placebo Furthermore, given that doses vary greatly between studies, the optimal effective dose in individuals with BPH is unclear 9. Saw palmetto extract has also been claimed to help protect against prostate cancer. Some evidence from test-tube and animal research suggests that treatment with saw palmetto may help block the spread and growth of prostate cancer cells 15 , 16 , Overall, more research is needed to confirm the potential benefits and appropriate dosage of saw palmetto extract on prostate health. The most commonly reported side effects include headache, dizziness, nausea, constipation, and allergic reaction 8. Beta-sitosterol is a commonly occurring plant compound that belongs to a larger group of substances called phytosterols. Produced by plants, phytosterols are natural steroids that have been linked to several health benefits, including lower cholesterol Beta-sitosterol, in particular, has been shown to have potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties 18 , Also present in saw palmetto, beta-sitosterol has been studied for its potential to reduce inflammation associated with urinary tract symptoms of BPH and possibly protect against prostate cancer 18 , 19 , While limited test-tube and animal studies have shown beta-sitosterol to have potential anticancer effects, more research is needed in humans 19 , One review study on the dietary intake of phytosterols, including beta-sitosterol, and cancer risk found that overall phytosterol intake was linked to a reduced risk of cancer As for its role in BPH, one study in 91 men with symptomatic BPH compared the effect of saw palmetto oil enriched with beta-sitosterol to saw palmetto oil on its own The study observed that the enriched oil was significantly more effective at reducing the severity of urinary tract symptoms over 12 weeks, compared with saw palmetto oil on its own or a placebo Again, despite promising results, much more research is needed on the effectiveness and optimal dosage of beta-sitosterol for prostate health. Chronic prostatitis is a painful condition that involves inflammation of the prostate. Common in men under the age of 50, the condition is often characterized by pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, and painful urination and ejaculation 23 , While anti-inflammatory medications like aspirin and ibuprofen are often used to help reduce inflammation and pain, there has been an increased interest in using flower pollen extracts as a natural alternative to these medications One study in 65 people with chronic prostatitis found that the daily intake of capsules containing 1 gram of pollen extract and several B vitamins for 3 months significantly improved chronic prostatitis symptoms scores Additionally, the pollen extract group was found to have significantly lower levels of interleukin 8 IL-8 , a marker of inflammation that has been found to be higher in people with chronic prostatitis 24 , Similarly, a review of 10 studies observed that flower pollen extracts significantly improved quality of life and symptom scores in individuals with diagnosed chronic prostatitis In particular, the most common pollen extract blend used in these clinical trials was Graminex, a mixture of standardized extracts of ryegrass pollen Secal cereal , corn pollen Zea mays , and timothy pollen Phleum pratense The review also found flower pollen extracts to be safe without any serious reported side effects An herbal extract from the bark of the African cherry tree Prunus africana , pygeum is another common ingredient found in prostate supplements. Limited test-tube and human studies have shown that pygeum extract may reduce inflammation associated with prostatitis and protect against the growth of cancerous cells 26 , An older review of 18 studies looked at the benefits of pygeum supplements on improving symptoms associated with BPH, compared with a placebo The review found that pygeum supplements significantly improved urinary flow measures. Stay active to support prostate health In addition to eating a healthy diet, you should stay active. For example: Based on questionnaires completed by more than 30, men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, researchers found an inverse relationship between physical activity and BPH symptoms. Simply put, men who were more physically active were less likely to suffer from BPH. Even low- to moderate-intensity physical activity, such as walking regularly at a moderate pace, yielded benefits. Using data from the Health Professionals Follow-up Study, researchers also examined the relationship between erectile dysfunction ED and exercise. More physical activity conferred a greater benefit. Interestingly, regardless of the level of exercise, men who were overweight or obese had a greater risk of ED than men with an ideal body mass index, or BMI. Italian researchers randomly assigned sedentary men with chronic prostatitis to one of two exercise programs for 18 weeks: aerobic exercise, which included brisk walking, or nonaerobic exercise, which included leg lifts, sit-ups, and stretching. Each group exercised three times a week. At the end of the trial, men in both groups felt better, but those in the aerobic exercise group experienced significantly less discomfort, anxiety and depression, and improved quality of life Get more information and the latest news about prostate health at www. 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