Prostate cancer

Further Information

• American Foundation for Urologic Disease
• Association of Cancer Online Resources
• Canadian Prostate Cancer Network
• Fondation québécoise du cancer
• Canadian Cancer Society
• Cancer Bacup
• Cancer Help UK
• National Prostate Cancer Coalition
• Oncolink
• Prostate Cancer Charity
• Us Too

Interactive Learning

The prostate gland is located in front of the rectum, under the bladder at the base of the penis and surrounds the upper part of the tube (urethra) through which urine exits the penis. The exact function of the prostate gland is unknown but it helps to control urination as well as producing fluids that form part of semen.

A normal prostate gland is the size of a walnut in a young man and it gradually enlarges with age. In many men the prostate becomes larger than normal, due to a process called benign prostatic hypertrophy. This enlargement is not malignant, but can cause the prostate to press upon the urethra, leading to difficulties with passing urine, for example uneven flow, discomfort, or an inability to completely empty the bladder.

Prostate cancer is due to an uncontrolled growth of cells which have become malignant in the prostate gland. These malignant cells can spread within the abdomen and press on other organs, or they can spread to other parts of the body, for example the bones. There is no known cause of prostate cancer. Prostate cancer causes difficulty with passing urine in some, but not all cases.

Early detection of prostate cancer is important for successful treatment. Men should report any difficulty with urination to their doctor. A blood test, for PSA (prostate specific antigen), may be carried out if prostate cancer is suspected.

Treatment

The most appropriate treatment for prostate cancer is primarily determined by how far the disease has spread at diagnosis and how aggressive it is. Your doctor will discuss treatment options according to your needs and wishes. The main therapies for prostate cancer are:

• Surgery: removal of the prostate gland (prostatectomy) or removal of the testes (orchidectomy also known as castration).
• Radiation therapy: X-rays or other high-energy rays are directed at the tumour and surrounding areas with the aim of reducing tumour growth and/or killing tumour cells.
• Hormonal therapy: the male sex hormone testosterone promotes the growth of many prostate cancers. Hormonal treatments such as anti-androgens or luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues are used to block the effects of testosterone or prevent its production and thus stop or slow down the growth of cancer cells.
• Chemotherapy: medicines that interfere with cancer cell growth and division are administered.