What is Prostate cancer?

What is Prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the prostate, a small gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum in males. The prostate gland is responsible for producing seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

Prostate cancer usually develops slowly and may initially be confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm. However, in some cases, it can be aggressive and spread quickly to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes.

Symptoms of prostate cancer may include difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or semen, erectile dysfunction, pain in the pelvis, hips, or back, and discomfort in the pelvic area. However, in the early stages, prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms.

Risk factors for developing prostate cancer include age (risk increases with age), family history of prostate cancer, ethnicity (African American men and Caribbean men of African ancestry are at higher risk), and certain genetic factors.

Diagnosis of prostate cancer typically involves a combination of a digital rectal exam (DRE), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI, and biopsy. Treatment options for prostate cancer depend on various factors including the stage of the cancer, the aggressiveness of the tumor, the patient's overall health, and personal preferences. Treatment may include active surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these approaches.