Your Resources
Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer Treatment Huntsville Alabama and Other Locations
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is a cancer found in a man’s prostate, which is the gland used to produce seminal fluid. Prostate cancer is usually slow growing and often remains in the prostate. However, there are some forms of prostate cancer that are more aggressive and early detection can greatly increase survival rates. Besides skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. Around 1 out of 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the 2nd leading cause of cancer related deaths among men. (Lung cancer is number one.)
Early stages of prostate cancer often have no symptoms. The presence of symptoms does not necessarily mean prostate cancer has developed, because they could be due to other healthcare conditions. Consult your healthcare provider if you have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty with urination – slow or weak stream or need to urinate more often
- Blood in the urine
- Erectile dysfunction
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Pain in the hips, back, or chest
Researchers have found several factors that may contribute to prostate cancer. Just because a man has one or more of these risk factors does not necessarily mean he will develop prostate cancer. Please discuss with your healthcare provider if you have any of the following risk factors:
- Age – prostate cancer is most common in men over the age of 50
- Race – prostate cancer is more common in African American men
- Family history – a man is twice as likely to develop prostate cancer if his brother or father has been diagnosed
- Genetics – mutations on the BRCA1, BRCA2, or lynch syndrome
Organizations views differ in whether or not a man should be regularly screened for prostate cancer. There are pros and cons to prostate screening. Please discuss with your healthcare provider their recommendations for screening. Early detection may play a role in the treatment plan. One or more of the following may be used to confirm a prostate cancer diagnosis:
- PSA (prostate specific antigen) test
- Ultrasound
- Bone scan
- Biopsy
- CT scan
- MRI
Once prostate cancer has been confirmed and staged, your physician will discuss the available treatment options. Some prostate cancers are slow growing and often do not require immediate treatment. The following are some common treatment options for prostate cancer: