What is the Prostate gland?

The prostate is a walnut sized gland in men. It is closely linked with the urinary system and is a key part of the male reproductive system. It is located below the bladder and makes and stores seminal fluid, a milky fluid that nourishes sperms. As men grow older, the prostate gland frequently becomes a source of trouble. The three most common prostate problems are inflammation (prostatitis), prostate enlargement (BPH), and prostate cancer. Prostatitis and BPH are not necessarily signs or lead to cancer, but men suffering from it can also develop prostate cancer. All prostate related problems also do not necessarily indicate prostate cancer.

What is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is the cancer of the prostate gland. It is caused when cancer cells start to grow in an uncontrolled way. It tends to spread beyond the prostate thus affecting the life of the individual. Most men with early prostate cancer don't have any symptoms. Because prostate cancer is so prevalent, and symptoms may not be present, it is important that men over the age of 50 be aware of the disease and seek appropriate medical advice. The appropriate course of treatment changes as the disease advances.

Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells develop in the prostate. While most prostate cancers are slow growing some grow relatively fast. The abnormal cells are likely to multiply and sometimes spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, particularly the bones and lymph nodes.

The risk of prostate cancer is increased by older age (about 99% of cases occur in those over the age of 50), a family history of the disease, and race. Having a first degree relative with the condition increases the risk two fold.

It is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer in men and National Cancer Registry in India shows that prostate cancer incidence rates are increasing significantly.