Common Cancer in Men—Prostate Cancer

Contributed by: Josh ua Engelbert, Pharm.D. Candidate

UMKC School of Pharmacy

Text Box: Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Each year, it kills nearly 34,000 people and over 100,000 new patients are diagnosed. Prostate cancer is a serious and generally silent disease, but it can usually be treated without many complications if caught early. The cause of prostate cancer is currently unknown. What is the prostate? The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. However, it is not essential for normal health or function. The prostate is shaped is like a donut and is about the size of a walnut. Once affected, it can become deformed and much larger. The prostate is located deep in the pelvis between the rectum and the bladder. A layer of thick fat covers and protects the prostate, and it is held securely in place by tough ligaments. This location makes surgery difficult. Who is at risk for prostate cancer? All males are at risk for prostate cancer. It generally affects males over 40 years old, and the risk increase with increasing age. Nearly 80% of all diagnosed cases are in men over 65. African Americans hold the highest risk worldwide, but the reason for this is currently unknown. Higher rates are also seen in European and United States

Text Box: citizens, and in people who have a family history of prostate cancer. Who should get tested and what tests are available? Early detection is the key for prevention of future problems. All men over 40 years old should be tested annually. Currently, two methods of testing are available. The first, and most common, is a digital rectal prostate exam. In this test, the physician feels the prostate for any lumps or enlargement. The alternative and newer procedure is with a transrectal ultrasound. In this method, a rectal ultrasound is taken to detect tumors too small to be felt by the physician’s fingers. Certain blood tests are available to help determine early stages of prostate cancer, but they have low accuracy. If something abnormal is found, the physician will take a biopsy, or sample of the mass, to determine if it is cancerous. What are the warning signs of prostate cancer? Prostate cancer generally has no symptoms until it is in the late stages. Some of the symptoms are: · weight loss urinary dribbling inability to urinate difficultly starting or stopping urination

Text Box: frequent urination pain while urinating blood in urine persistent lower back or pelvic pain If you are experiencing any of these symptoms or have any change in urination habits, contact your physician immediately. How is prostate cancer treated? Prostate cancer can be treated in many ways, and most work very well if the cancer is detected early. Some treatment options include drug therapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. The type of treatment depends upon the stage of the cancer. Your physician will help you to determine which treatment is right for you. For more information, visit: www.ustoo.com/ www.rcog.com/homeGoogle.htm www.prostate-cancer.org/ www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/prostatecancer.html www.healthsquare.com/prostatecancer.htm www.prostate.com/

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