Prostate Cancer

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the abnormal growth of benign (not cancerous) prostate cells. In BPH, the prostate grows larger and pushes against the urethra and bladder, blocking the normal flow of urine. BPH can sometimes lead to bothersome problems with urination, such as frequent daytime and nighttime urination, dribbling, and difficulty starting and stopping urine flow.

Early Detection of Prostate Cancer
Follow these early detection guidelines for the best results:
* Have a digital rectal examination every year after the age of 50.
(If you are an African-American male or you have a family history of prostate cancer, have this examination every year after age 40.)
* Have a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test.
* Eat a low fat diet.
* See your doctor immediately if you notice any of the warning signs of prostate problems.

Prostate Cancer Causes and Risk Factors
Prostate cancer runs in families and is associated with a high fat diet. Prostate cancer is most common in Europe and in America, where African American men are at 30 percent higher risk. Increasing age is a factor, with men over 55 at greater risk. Other risk factors are multiple sex partners and venereal disease.

Prostate Cancer Facts
Cancer of the prostate gland is one of the most common cancers in men. It's estimated that one out of every 11 men will develop it. Fortunately, prostate cancer is usually a slow-growing type of cancer, and the highest risk is not until after age 55. Because of earlier detection and improvements in prostate cancer treatment, more than 90 percent of patients diagnosed early are alive five years after treatment.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms
There are usually no symptoms in the earliest stages of prostate cancer. Some symptoms of the condition benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), a harmless, but annoying enlargement of the prostate that frequently occurs in older men, may be mistaken for symptoms of prostate cancer.

You should see your doctor if you experience:
* Weak or interrupted flow of urine
* Inability to urinate or difficulty urinating
* Need to urinate frequently, especially at night
* Blood in the urine
* Painful or burning sensation when urinating
* Continuing pain in the lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs

PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)
An elevated PSA blood test does not always mean cancer. A temporary PSA elevation is found in prostate infection, benign enlargement, prostate surgery and urinary retention.