Prostate Cancer Basics

If you've been diagnosed with prostate cancer, or care for someone who has prostate cancer, it may be useful to review some basic facts.

About Prostate Cancer

In prostate cancer, certain cells in a man’s prostate gland are growing uncontrollably. While there are several types of cells in the prostate, almost all prostate cancers begin in the gland cells. This is called adenocarcinoma.

When prostate cancer advances, and isn’t effectively controlled by hormonal treatment, it is called AIPC (androgen-independent prostate cancer). Metastatic AIPC means that cancer cells have spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, most commonly the bones.

Statistics

In the United States:

• There are over 2 million men who are prostate cancer survivors.
• While 1 man out of every 6 will get prostate cancer, of those who do, 34 out of 35 will survive.
• Over 186,000 new cases of prostate cancer were expected in 2008.
• Survival rates for prostate cancer are increasing.

Symptoms

In its early stages, prostate cancer usually has no symptoms at all. As it advances, though, urinary issues may appear: the flow may be weak, or be difficult to start or stop. Frequent night urination may occur, blood may appear in the urine, or a man may experience pain or burning with urination. In advanced prostate caner, the spread of the disease to the bones may cause pain in the hips, spine, or ribs.

Risk factors

Age is the biggest risk factor for developing prostate cancer: after age 50, the chance of developing prostate cancer rises fast. About two-thirds of prostate cancers occur in men over age 65.

Race is also a factor: African-American men are more likely to have prostate cancer than men of other races. Geography plays a role also. Prostate cancer is most common in North America and northwestern Europe, for reasons as yet unknown.

Some other factors play a smaller role in a man's likelihood of developing prostate cancer:

• Family history (the disease in a father or brother).
• Diet (heavy in red meat or high-fat dairy products, low in fruits and vegetables).
• Genetics (a small percentage of prostate cancers are linked to changes in the DNA of cells).

Staging

"Staging" is the process used to find out how far the cancer has spread. It’s vital to choosing your treatment, and gauging the chances of recovery.

After a number of tests, your doctor will determine the stage of a cancer. Stages are identified in groups that start at 1 and go up in Roman numerals, from I through IV (1-4). Generally, the lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. This is an overview of stages of prostate cancer and what they mean in most cases:

• Stage I: The cancer is only in the prostate. It is discovered by chance when surgery is done for another reason. The cancer can’t be felt during a digital rectal exam.
• Stage II: The cancer is more advanced, but has not spread outside the prostate.
• Stage III: The cancer has spread outside the prostate. It has not spread to the lymph nodes.
• Stage IV: The cancer may have spread to nearby muscles and organs, and to the lymph nodes.

If you’re not clear about the stage of your cancer, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare provider. For additional information on staging, please visit www.cancer.org. You need to understand so that you and your doctor can together select the treatment that’s most appropriate for you.

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