Prostate Cancer Learning Center

Definition

Prostate cancer is cancer that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man's reproductive system. It wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body.

Alternative Names

Cancer - prostate

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown. Some studies have shown a relationship between high dietary fat intake and increased testosterone levels.

There is no known association with an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over age 75. Prostate cancer is rarely found in men younger than 40.

People who are at higher risk include:

• African-American men
• Men who are older than 60
• Farmers
• Tire plant workers
• Painters
• Men who have been exposed to cadmium

The lowest number of cases occurs in Japanese men and those who do not eat meat (vegetarians).

Symptoms

Thanks to PSA testing, most prostate cancers are now found before they cause symptoms. Although most of the symptoms listed below can occur with prostate cancer, they are more likely to be associated with noncancerous conditions.

• Urinary hesitancy (delayed or slowed start of urinary stream)
• Urinary dribbling, especially immediately after urinating
• Urinary retention
• Pain with urination
• Pain with ejaculation
• Lower back pain
• Pain with bowel movement

Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:

• Excessive urination at night
• Urinary leakage (incontinence)
• Bone pain or tenderness
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Abdominal pain
• Low red blood cell count (anemia)
• Unintentional weight loss
• Lethargy