Prostate Cancer

At the time of diagnosis most men with prostate cancer report no symptoms. When they occur, many of the symptoms of prostate cancer are related to constriction of the urethra and involve changes in urine flow. Prostate cancer can also cause pain in the pelvis or lower back and blood in the urine. Cancer that has spread can cause additional symptoms based on the location of spread.

Common symptoms of prostate cancer include:

• Bloody or pink-colored semen (hematospermia)
• Bloody or pink-colored urine (hematuria)
• Difficulty urinating and urinary retention
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Pain in the pelvis or lower back
• Slow or weak urine stream
• Urinary leakage or dribbling

Prostate cancer can lead to serious conditions such as urinary tract infection, bleeding, and other complications based on the spread of the disease. Seek prompt medical care if you, or someone you are with, have any of these symptoms:

• Bloody or pink-colored semen (hematospermia)
• Bloody or pink-colored urine (hematuria)
• Difficult or painful urination, or burning with urination (dysuria)
• Foul-smelling urine
• High fever (higher than 101 degrees Fahrenheit)
• Pale skin or pallor
• Swelling in the leg
• Unexpected weight loss

Cancer occurs when abnormal cells reproduce in an uncontrolled fashion. The specific cause of prostate cancer is not known, but several factors that increase the risk of developing cancer of the prostate have been identified.

A number of factors increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. Not all people with risk factors will get prostate cancer. Risk factors for prostate cancer include:

• African American race
• Age over 60
• Certain occupational and other chemical exposures
• Chronic alcohol use or abuse
• Family history of prostate cancer
• High-fat diet

You may be able to lower your risk of prostate cancer by:

• Being aware of and taking precautions against occupational exposures to toxins or chemicals
• Eating a healthy diet
• Reducing alcohol intake

Treatment of prostate cancer begins with seeking regular medical care throughout your life. Regular medical care allows a health care professional to provide early screening tests. Regular medical care also provides an opportunity for your health care professional to promptly evaluate symptoms and your risks for developing prostate cancer.

Treatment of cancer is based on its aggressiveness, the extent to which it has spread, and patient wishes. For some men, it is a slow-growing cancer that can be closely observed over time. For others, it is more aggressive and may have spread to other areas of the body, in which case more intensive therapy is warranted.

For early cancers, the goal of prostate cancer treatment is to permanently cure the cancer or to bring about a complete remission of the disease. Remission means that there is no longer any sign of the disease in the body, although it may recur or relapse later. In the later stages, the goal is often to control cancer spread, alleviate symptoms, provide comfort, and extend life.

Many options are available for treating prostate cancer including:

• Chemotherapy to attack cancer cells
• Hormonal therapy to slow the growth of the cancer
• Participation in a clinical trial testing promising new therapies for prostate cancer
• Radiation therapy to attack cancer cells
• Surgery to remove the cancer
• Targeted therapy to attack cancer cells
• Watchful waiting to identify when to start treatment if necessary

Other therapies may be added to help with your general state of health and any complications of the cancer or its treatment. These therapies include:

• Antinausea medications if nausea occurs
• Dietary counseling to help maintain strength and nutritional status
• Pain medications as needed to increase comfort

Some complementary treatments may help some people to better deal with prostate cancer and its treatments. These treatments, sometimes referred to as alternative therapies, are used in conjunction with traditional medical treatments. Complementary treatments are not meant to substitute for traditional medical care. Be sure to notify your doctor if you are consuming nutritional supplements or homeopathic (nonprescription) remedies as they may interact with the prescribed medical therapy.

Complementary treatments may include:

• Acupuncture
• Massage therapy
• Nutritional dietary supplements, herbal remedies, tea beverages, and similar products
• Yoga

In cases in which prostate cancer has progressed to an advanced stage and has become unresponsive to treatment, the goal of treatment may shift away from curing the disease and focus on measures to keep a person comfortable and maximize the quality of life. Hospice care involves medically controlling pain and other symptoms while providing psychological and spiritual support as well as services to support the patient’s family.

Complications of untreated prostate cancer can be serious as the disease advances. You can help minimize your risk of serious complications by following the treatment plan you and your health care professional design specifically for you. Complications of prostate cancer include:

• Adverse effects of prostate cancer treatment
• Anemia (low red blood cell count)
• Bladder outlet obstruction
• Bone pain
• Broken bones and spinal cord compression
• Kidney failure
• Leg lymphedema (fluid collection and swelling due to blockage of lymphatic vessels)
• Low white blood cell counts and decreased resistance to infections
• Spread of cancer to other areas of the body such as the bones
• Urinary incontinence