Prostate Cancer

_ The prostate is a chestnut-shaped gland of the male reproductive system and is about the size of a walnut. The prostate is located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder, and surrounds the beginning of the _urethra (the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body).

The main purpose of the prostate is to produce fluid for semen, which transports sperm during the male orgasm, and to protect the bladder against bacterial invasion. The nerves involved in penile erection are located posteriorly on each side of the prostate gland. Therefore, the prostate is also considered to be an accessory sex organ.

The prostate normally increases in size around the age of puberty and then usually remains constant until the age of 45 to 50 years, at which time it may begin to undergo varying degrees of enlargement stimulated by rising levels of the male hormone testosterone. This non-cancer-related process is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and can cause urinary problems in older men. Approximately 33% of men over the age of 50 have BPH.

The prostate can also develop cancer. Carcinoma of the prostate is the most commonly diagnosed male malignancy in the U.S. Because it grows so slowly, it often produces no symptoms and men often die of other causes before the cancer becomes an issue. Early detection is the key to successful treatment with a 5-year survival rate of greater than 80%.

In general, prostate cancers grow very slowly. It is known that the growth rate of prostate cancers increases in response to the presence of male hormones (androgens). Therefore, several treatments are targeted at reducing or eliminating androgens in the body.

In its advanced stages, prostate cancer can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body including the lymph nodes, bone, spine, liver, lungs, adrenal glands and the brain.

The first decision in the management of patients with prostate cancer is how aggressively the cancer is to be treated. Aggressive treatment usually includes surgery, radiation, and/or hormonal therapy. Less aggressive therapy may consist of hormone therapy alone, either at the time of diagnosis or later, when symptoms appear.

The decision to aggressively evaluate and treat a prostate cancer depends on several factors, including age, life expectancy, general health status, stage of the tumor, the desire to maintain erectile function, the individual wishes of the man regarding the desire for cure versus palliation.

It is important to learn as much as possible about all available treatment options and the potential effects on sexual functioning, continence, and other aspects of life, so that the most appropriate decision can be made for the individual.

Learn more by ordering your MediFocus Guidebook on Prostate Cancer, the most comprehensive, up-to-date source of information available. You will get answers to your questions, including:

• What are the risk factors of Prostate Cancer?
• What standard and alternative treatment options are available?
• Where are the leading doctors, hospitals and medical centers that specialize in Prostate Cancer research and treatment?
• What are the results of the latest clinical trials?
• Where are the support groups and additional resources in my area?
• What are the promising new treatments on the horizon?

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