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Prostate Cancer
The prostate is a small gland which is part of the male reproductive
system. It produces a fluid which protects and enriches sperm.
The prostate is about the size of a walnut and is located
below the bladder. It is shaped like a doughnut. Through the
hole in the centre of the prostate passes the urethra, a tube
which empties urine from the bladder through the penis.
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth
and spread of abnormal cells. Prostate cancer occurs when
cells in the prostate keep growing when they don't need to.
Normally, the body's cells reproduce themselves in an orderly
manner so that growth occurs and damaged or worn-out tissues
are replaced. Sometimes, however, cells continue growing into
a mass of tissue called a tumour which can be benign
(noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous).
Malignant
cells can build up into a lump or tumour. In some cases, the
malignant cells can spread to other parts of the body through
the blood or lymph system. New cancers formed in this way
are called secondaries or metastases.
Only men can get prostate cancer since only men have a prostate.
Prostate cancer is not infectious, you cannot pass on or get
prostate cancer from others.
Approximately 4,500 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer
each year in NSW. Prostate cancer is rare in men under 50
years old but is the most common cancer in men over 55 years.
In NSW approximately 900 men will die of prostate cancer each
year. More than half of these deaths occur in men over 75
years old. In general, the older a man is, the more likely
he is to develop prostate cancer. A family history of prostate
cancer may put you at higher risk of developing prostate cancer
yourself.
What are the signs or symptoms?
In the early stages, prostate cancer does not usually
produce any symptoms. It may be found during routine examination.
Symptoms are caused by the prostate growing and causing the
urethra to narrow.
Possible signs include:
- difficulty starting urine flow
- slow, interrupted urine flow and dribbling afterwards
- frequent passing of urine
- blood in the urine
- pain when urinating.
If you notice any of these problems, you should discuss them
with your general practitioner.
In advanced stages, cancer may spread beyond the prostate
gland and cause problems in the kidneys, bones and bowel.
How can I prevent prostate cancer?
There is no way to prevent prostate cancer. However, if you
experience problems urinating, see your general practitioner.
Early detection of cancer improves the chances of successful
treatment and cure.
How can prostate cancer be treated?
A prostate biopsy involves a needle being passed through
the rectum to remove a piece of the prostate for analysis.
This is the best way to diagnose cancer.
Other tests that
may be used if a general practitioner thinks cancer is present
are:
- digital rectal examination (DRE) where a doctor examines the
prostate by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum (back
passage).
- prostate specific antigen (PSA) test to see if there are raised levels of PSA in the blood. These
raised levels of PSA are associated with prostate cancer.
After diagnosing prostate cancer, your general practitioner
may not always recommend treatment. Some prostate cancers
grow so slowly that men will die of old age before their cancer
causes any problems. If your doctor does recommend treatment,
it will usually involve surgery, radiotherapy or hormone therapy.
Treatments include:
- Surgery where the cancer is removed in an operation. There
are two types of surgery, one aims to cure (prostatectomy),
the other to relieve the blocking (transurethral resection).
- Radiotherapy where high energy X-rays
are used to destroy cancer cells while doing as little harm
as possible to surrounding normal cells. Radiotherapy will
not make you radioactive and you are safe to be around others.
- Hormone therapy if the prostate cancer seems to need male hormones
to survive. Hormone therapy involves stopping the supply
of these hormones to the cancer.
Treatment is usually more successful the earlier prostate
cancer is detected.
Where can I get more information?
Talk to your local general practitioner or contact the NSW Cancer Council's
Cancer Information Service on (02) 9334 1933 or 1800 422
760 (toll free), TTY (for the deaf) (02) 9334 1865 or call
131 120 from anywhere in Australia.
A detailed booklet, Understanding Prostate Cancer,
is also available from the Cancer Information Service.
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