Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer occurs in the gland in males that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. It 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.

About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. Prostate cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer deaths among men in Louisiana.

Signs & Symptoms

• A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
• Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
• A weak or interrupted flow of urine
• Painful or burning urination
• Hematuria (blood in the urine)
• Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
• Painful ejaculation
• Blood in the semen
• Decreased volume of ejaculation (though hydration, diet and frequency of ejaculation are more likely than prostate cancer to impact the volume of fluid)
• Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips or upper thighs
• Swelling in the lower extremities

Risk Factors & Behaviors

• Older age
• Race (Black)
• Family history
• Obesity
• Smoking

There's no definitive way to prevent prostate cancer - but as with most cancers - eating a healthy diet, getting plenty of exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and limiting alcohol use may reduce risk.

Testing

There is no standard test to screen for prostate cancer. Two tests are commonly used (PSA and DRE), however, it is important to talk to your doctor to learn which test is best for you. Talking to a doctor to learn more about the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening is key. Early screening and testing are associated with improved survival outcomes. Men at higher average risk should talk with a doctor about testing options at age 40.

Men aged 40-50 should get screened annually, especially African American men and men with increased risk due to family history. The risk of prostate cancer further increases around age 75. 

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is the gold standard for testing for prostate cancer.  measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer.

Treatment

• Surgery
• Radiation therapy
• Freezing or heating prostate tissue
• Hormone therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted drug therapy

Local Resources

• https://marybird.org/cancer-types/prostate/
• https://www.louisianacancercenter.org/ 

National Resources

• https://www.pcf.org/ 
• https://zerocancer.org/ 
• https://pcri.org/
• https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate 
• https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer.html 
• https://www.cdc.gov/prostate-cancer/index.html 
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20353087