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Prostate Cancer
- What is the Prostate?
- Prostate Cancer
- What to Do if You Notice a Change
- Related Links
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder in front of the rectum. It produces semen, the fluid that carries sperm from the testicles. It wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries the urine from the bladder out through the penis.
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Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH)
As a normal part of aging, the prostate often increases in size in men over 40 years of age. This non-cancerous enlargement is called Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (B.P.H.). B.P.H. may need treatment if the prostate enlarges enough to press on the urethra, making the flow of urine slow and difficult.
Male Reproductive System
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Prostate cancers start in the glandular tissue of the prostate and are called adenocarcinomas.
- Prostate Cancer is now the most common type of cancer in Canadian men over 50. It is important to learn how you can best protect yourself.
- In most men, prostate cancer is usually slow growing and does not spread beyond the prostate itself. Most men who develop this slow growing type of prostate cancer have no symptoms.
- Prostate cancer can also be an aggressive, fast growing tumour that in some cases spreads beyond the prostate to lymph nodes, lungs, bones and other parts of the body.
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Symptoms of prostate cancer may be similar to those of bacterial infection or benign enlargement of the prostate (B.P.H.):
- difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine, dribbling of urine
- the urge to pass small amounts of urine frequently, especially at night
- painful urination
- blood or pus in the urine
- pain in the lower back, pelvis or upper thighs
- painful ejaculation
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- Risk is higher for a man whose father or brother has prostate cancer.
- African-Canadian men have a higher risk than Caucasian men.
Risk factors being studied include:
- High fat diet
- Job exposure to zinc, cadmium or pesticides
- Hormone levels
- Sexually transmitted infections
Most evidence suggests there is no relationship between prostate cancer and vasectomy.
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Early Detection
Prostate enlargement and prostate cancer can be detected during a digital rectal examination by your doctor (inserting a gloved lubricated finger in the rectum) to check the prostate for enlargement. You will be asked to lie on your side with your knees bent. You may feel the urge to pass urine or have a bowel movement. Any discomfort is minor and very brief. This exam is recommended as part of a routine yearly physical for men over 50, even when there are no symptoms.
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Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) Testing
Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by prostate cells. It can be measured by a simple blood test in addition to an abnormal digital rectal examination. The use of PSA testing in men who do not have symptoms is still under study. Results can be inconclusive:
- PSA can be elevated in prostate problems other than cancer.
- PSA can be normal in the presence of prostate cancer.
- For some men, PSA testing may help identify a slow growing prostate cancer that would not cause symptoms, but great anxiety once its presence is known.
- For others, PSA testing may help to find a fast growing prostate cancer, for which early treatment saves lives.
- PSA is not covered by OHIP.
- More information on PSA testing.
- Information on Schedule of payment for PSA testing in Ontario.
Source: Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. (2002). Prostatic Specific Antigen Testing
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What to Do if You Notice a Change
See your doctor if you notice any change and/or difficulties in your urination.
If you're over 50…
- Discuss routine digital rectal exam as part of your yearly physical.
- Discuss PSA testing with your doctor.
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For additional information on Prostate Cancer visit these web links:
Canada
- BC Cancer Agency: Prostate Cancer
This site provides information from prevention to treatment for prostate cancer. - Prostate Cancer Canada Network
Provides a list of support groups searchable by province and a list of links to other resources. Includes tips for the newly diagnosed. - Canadian Cancer Society
Cancer Information Service - 1 888 939 3333 - Cancer Care Ontario
- MOHLTC
- The Prostate Centre
Provides information on prostate cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and support. - Prostate Cancer Research Foundation of Canada
United States
- American Cancer Society: All about Prostate Cancer
- American Urological Association
This site offers many resources including a link to prostate cancer treatment decision tools. - National Cancer Institute: CancerNet - Prostate Cancer
A comprehensive site with a database of doctor/patient information summaries on prevention, treatment, supportive care and genetics. Updated and peer-reviewed regularly. - Medline Plus Health Topics: Prostate Cancer
Maintained by the US National Library of Medicine, this site includes information on prevention and screening, diagnosis and treatment, coping, and clinical trials. - Prostate Cancer Treatment
International
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Revised: Monday October 19 2009
