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Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer occurs in the prostate gland in the male reproductive system. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), more than 200,000 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States this year. Sixty-five percent of all prostate cancers are found in men ages 65 – 69.

Symptoms

Prostate cancer symptoms do not usually occur. Some men may notice the following symptoms:

Urinary problems.
Blood in the urine or semen.
Frequent pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a MemorialCare Physician partner.

Causes & Prevention

The causes of prostate cancer are unknown; research suggests that genetics, hormones, diet and the environment may play a role in prostate cancer. Eating well and getting regular exercise can help to reduce your risk.

Prostate cancer screening recommendations
An annual prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exam (DRE) are recommended for men starting at the age of 50. African-Americans and men with a family history of prostate cancer should start these annual screenings at the age of 45.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) – a blood test measuring levels of a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. PSA is often elevated or rises rapidly in men with this type of cancer.
Digital rectal exam (DRE) – a physician feels the prostate—a small gland that produces seminal fluid—for abnormalities.

Risk Factors

Men are at greater risk for prostate cancer if you:

Are over the age of 45.
Have a family history (father, brother or son) who had prostate cancer.
Are African American.
Have a high-fat diet or are overweight.

Screening Recommendations

Men

40-49 years of age:

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and Digital rectal exam (DRE) – Annually for men starting at age 45 if you are African American or if your father, brother, or son had prostate cancer before the age of 65.

50 years of age:

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and Digital rectal exam (DRE) – Annually.

Diagnosis

Annual digital rectal exam (DRE) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening for males over the age of 50 helps to indicate the sign of prostate cancer. A transrectal ultrasound (high-frequency sound waves) can be performed to view a picture of the prostate gland. A prostate biopsy may be taken so that a pathologist can examine tissue from the prostate gland under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present

Staging

If cancer is diagnosed and before treatment begins, additional tests are performed to determine the stage of the cancer and to see if it has spread to other parts of the body.

Treatments

MemorialCare’s experienced team of oncologists, radiation oncologists, radiologists, pathologists and surgeons conduct roundtable discussions (tumor boards) of newly diagnosed patients to make recommendations for the best course of treatment. We specialize in the treatment of prostate cancer; most common treatments are often used in combination. Your cancer care health care provider can help determine the right treatment for you. Some prostate cancer treatments include:

Radiation Therapy