INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer is cancer of the small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid, the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. It is also the second most common type of cancer among men in this country and is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages.

Prostate cancer typically occurs in older men and is seldom found in men under the age of 40. It occurs in 1 out of 6 men and when confined to the gland is usually treated successfully.

RISK: Every man is at risk for developing prostate cancer. Along with being male, there are other risk factors, such as age, race, and family history that may contribute to the overall risk. Men at greater risk include African-America men over 60,farmers, tire plant workers, painters, and men exposed to cadmium. The risk for developing it rises significantly with age, and 60 percent of recently diagnosed cases occur in men over the age of 70.

The greatest risk factor is age. This risk increases significantly after the age of 50 in white males who have no known family history of the disease and after the age of 40 in african american men as well as those who have a close relative with the disease. Having a brother with prostate cancer seems to increase your risk more than an affected father does. That risk becomes higher when there are multiple family members affected.

SYMPTOMS: May include Problems passing urine, such as pain, difficulty starting or stopping the stream, or dribbling, Low back pain, Pain with ejaculation. Many men experience no symptoms; the first indication that they may have the disease is often an abnormal finding on a routine screening exam. Symptoms are more likely to appear as the cancer grows.

TREATMENT: May include surgery, radiation therapy, drugs or control of hormones that affect the cancer. It often depends on the stage of the cancer and appropriate treatment is often very controversial.

Surgery is usually only recommended after thorough evaluation and discussion of available treatment options. Chemotherapy is often used to treat prostate cancers that are resistant to hormonal treatments. A radical prostatectomy is often recommended for treatment of stages A and B.

CONCLUSION: Prostate cancer is the 3rd most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men past 75 years of age. Frequently there are no symptoms in its early stages. If it has spread, it may be treated with drugs to reduce testosterone levels, surgery to remove the gland, or chemotherapy.