The exact cause for prostate cancer is unknown but there are several risk factors which can be observed. Some of these factors are a high fat diet or heritage of example.

Having a screening examination at fixed intervals is important to detect prostate cancer early. Looking for symptoms yourself is not enough because you can not detect the cancer early enough. Once you have prostate cancer symptoms already, it is (too) late already.

After the cancer has broken out already, you could have symptoms like weak or interrupted urine flow, blood in the urine or a pain in the back, thighs or hips. There could also be a burning sensation.

It could be a matter of life or dead to detect the cancer as early as possible. The earlier the treatment starts the greater the chances of survival. Prostate cancer can be cured but only when it hasn’t spread too much already.

Part of the diagnosis is a rectal examination by your doctor. He puts his finger in your rectum to find anything strange with your prostate gland. If he finds something then a blood test will be the next step. The doctor will want to check for PSA, a prostate specific antigen in the blood stream. If the concentration of PSA is very high, it is a strong sign of cancer.

Another test is the transrectal ultrasound which shows a pretty accurate picture of the prostate gland. This painless procedure can detect tumors within twenty minutes.

If the tests above are positive in any form, a prostate biopsy is necessary to confirm the results. A small piece of the tissue is removed by using a needle. If there are any cancer cells then they will show up under the microscope. The biopsy is still the most accurate way to diagnose prostate cancer. It goes quickly and doesn’t hurt too much.

If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body can be checked by x-ray, computer tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. It would be a bad sign if the cancer has reached the lungs already.

Once prostate cancer is diagnosed the treatment must start immediately. There are several different treatment options but still the surgery is the most effective way to totally remove the cancer. The treatment will need a team of doctors, an urologist, a surgeon and an oncologist. The surgery is not without risks and side effects so that some prefer alternative ways.

If treatment has started early enough then the prognosis is good. It is possible that the cancer could be completely removed. Statistics say that after five years more than 95% of men are still alive. The prognosis goes down significantly below 30% survival rate if the cancer was detected late.