Prostate Cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system that produces and stores semen. It generally affects men over the age of 50, and is different from most other cancers in the body because it is common for small areas of cancerous cells are naturally present within the prostate but may not grow or cause any problems for years. However when it does grow, it can spread to other parts of the body, especially the bones.

Early prostate cancer usually causes no problems, but when it matures it can cause difficulty urinating, pain during sexual intercourse, erectile dysfunction or painful ejaculation.  Sufferers may also urinate more often, especially at night and in few cases, pass blood along with urine. The prostate gland may also increase in size.  Advanced prostate cancer causes pain the bones, especially in the spine, pelvis or ribs.

The specific cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but a man’s risk of developing it is related to his age, genetics, race, diet, lifestyle, medication and other factors. The primary risk factor is a man’s age, as prostate cancer is uncommon in men aged 45 and under, and the average age at the time of diagnosis is 70. However, many men die never knowing they have prostate cancer, and autopsy reports of many men who died of other causes found prostate cancer in a majority.

Prostate cancer is more prevalent in Black men, and men who have a brother or father with prostate cancer are more likely to develop it.  A diet that is high in animal fat, including dairy products and low in fresh fruit and vegetables may also increase risk.

A screening can detect those with a high risk for developing the cancer, and a blood test may be taken to test for prostate-specific gene, but the only test that can fully confirm the presence of the cancer is a biopsy, which is the removal of small pieces of the prostate for microscopic examination.

Treatment for Prostate cancer involves hormonal therapy, which can shrink the cancer, delay the growth and reduce symptoms. Surgery can help ease the problems with urinating and chemotherapy may also be recommended, which is the use of anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancer cells, but these have serious side effects including hair loss, nausea and vomiting, bleeding and poor appetite. Radiotherapy may be given if the cancer has spread and can reduce the pain. However, when the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland to other parts of the body it can no longer be cured.