Date updated: February 02, 2006
Content provided by MayoClinic.com
Prostate cancer is cancer of the small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid, the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
For many men a diagnosis of prostate cancer can be frightening, not only because of the threat to their lives, but because of the threat to their sexuality. In fact, the possible consequences of treatment for prostate cancer - which include bladder control problems and erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence - can be a great concern for some men.
If prostate cancer is detected early - when it's still confined to the prostate gland - you have a better chance of successful treatment with minimal or short-term side effects. Successful treatment of cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland is more difficult. But treatments exist that can help control prostate cancer.
Date updated: February 02, 2006
Content provided by MayoClinic.com
Prostate cancer often doesn't produce any symptoms in its early stages. That's why many cases of prostate cancer aren't detected until it has spread beyond the prostate.
When signs and symptoms do occur, they may include the following:
• Dull pain in your lower pelvic area • Urgency of urination • Difficulty starting urination • Pain during urination • Weak urine flow and dribbling • Intermittent urine flow • A sensation that your bladder doesn't empty • Frequent urination at night • Blood in your urine • Painful ejaculation • General pain in your lower back, hips or upper thighs • Loss of appetite and weight • Persistent bone pain
Date updated: February 02, 2006
Content provided by MayoClinic.com
Cancer is a group of abnormal cells that grow more rapidly than normal cells and that refuse to die. Cancer cells also have the ability to invade and destroy normal tissues, either by growing directly into surrounding structures or after traveling to another part of your body through your bloodstream or lymph system. Microscopic cancer cells develop into small clusters that continue to grow, becoming more densely packed and hard.
The prostate gland is the small, walnut-shaped gland that surrounds the bottom portion ("neck") of a male's bladder and about the first inch of the urinary tube (urethra), the channel that drains urine from the bladder. It's located behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. The prostate's primary function is to produce seminal fluid, the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
Prostate cancer usually grows slowly and initially remains confined to the prostate gland, where it may not cause serious harm. But if left untreated, prostate cancer can begin to invade tissues and cause damage, and it may spread to others areas of your body where it can cause significant harm. Some forms of prostate cancer are aggressive and can spread quickly to other parts of your body.
Date updated: February 02, 2006
Content provided by MayoClinic.com
If you have difficulties with urination, see your doctor. This condition doesn't always relate to prostate cancer, but it can be a sign of prostate-related problems.
If you're a man older than 50, you may want to see your doctor to discuss beginning prostate cancer screening. Mayo Clinic doctors, in accordance with the American Cancer Society and the American Urological Association (AUA), recommend having an annual blood test to check for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) beginning at age 50, or earlier if you're at high risk for cancer. If you're black or have a family history of the disease, you may want to begin at a younger age. Mayo Clinic doctors, along with the AUA, also recommend that men have a yearly digital rectal exam beginning at age 40.
Flaxseed: Does it increase my prostate cancer risk?
Date updated: October 25, 2007
Content provided by MayoClinic.com
"I take flaxseed to control my high cholesterol. But I was recently told that flaxseed increases the risk of prostate cancer. Is this true?"
-Jared, Arizona
There is limited research on the effects of flaxseed on the risk of prostate cancer. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil are rich sources of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) - a fatty acid - which can help reduce total cholesterol. (Click here to read more)
Vasectomy: Does it increase my risk of prostate cancer?
Date updated: June 27, 2007
Content provided by MayoClinic.com
Does vasectomy increase the risk of prostate cancer?
Ash, California
No. Although many studies have been performed to see if there is a link, the best current evidence indicates no increased risk of prostate cancer after vasectomy.
If you're concerned about your prostate cancer risk, talk to your doctor about possible symptoms and screening tests. You are at increased risk of prostate cancer if you are older than age 50 or if you have a close family member with prostate cancer. (click here to read more)
Is it true that pomegranate juice may slow the growth of prostate cancer? How much should I drink?
Date updated: November 24, 2006
Content provided by MayoClinic.com
Preliminary research suggests that drinking pomegranate juice may slow the progression of prostate cancer. One study showed that after surgery or radiation for prostate cancer, the length of time it took for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to double was significantly longer in men who drank 8 ounces (0.24 liters) of pomegranate juice daily for up to two years. A shorter doubling time indicates that the cancer is progressing more rapidly.
Although these results are promising, they're based on a small sample of only 46 men. For this reason, it's too early to say whether or not pomegranate juice can definitely slow the growth of prostate cancer. However, pomegranate juice is generally safe to drink.
