Introduction:

Prostate cancer is a cancerous (malignant) tumor in the prostate gland, a small walnut-sized gland in men that makes seminal fluid, which helps carry sperm out of the body. The prostate is located beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out through the penis. Prostate tumors can be benign or cancerous. With benign tumors, the prostate enlarges and squeezes the urethra, interrupting the normal flow of urine. This condition, benign prostate hyperplasia, is common and rarely life threatening. Prostate cancer -- one of the most common kinds of cancer in men -- can spread beyond the prostate gland and be life threatening.

Prostate cancer is the third most common cause of death from cancer in men of all ages and is the most common cause of death from cancer in men over 75 years old. Men younger than 40 rarely have prostate cancer. Men at higher risk include African-America men older than 60, farmers, tire plant workers, painters, and men exposed to cadmium. The lowest number of cases occurs in Japanese men and vegetarians.

However, most cancerous tumors in the prostate tend to grow slowly and either do not spread or cause harm for decades. When caught early, prostate cancer can be treated successfully in more than 90% of cases. Men 50 years old and older should be regularly screened for prostate cancer.

Signs and Symptoms:

Many people with prostate cancer have no symptoms at all, especially in the early stages.

Some symptoms that may indicate prostate cancer include:

• Difficult and painful urination
• Frequent urination (especially at night) and a feeling that you need to urinate even when the bladder is empty
• Incomplete emptying of the bladder, which may lead to dribbling of urine
• Decreased force of urine stream
• Blood in the urine
• Hip and back pain

When the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, symptoms can include:

• Bone pain
• Weakness or paralysis caused by compression of the spinal cord
• Weight loss
• Anemia
• Kidney failure

Causes:

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, although it's likely that a combination of factors, including genetics, diet, ethnicity, hormones, and your environment, may play a part.

Some studies have shown a relationship between a high-fat diet and increased testosterone levels, which stimulate growth of the prostate. Some doctors think that testosterone replacement therapy might make existing prostate cancer grow faster, and men who use testosterone therapy may be more likely to develop prostate cancer than those with lower levels of the hormone. A genetic influence is suggested because prostate cancer tends to occur in men who are related to one another (see "Risk Factors" section). In addition, researchers have identified a gene that is associated with 30% of family-related prostate cancers.

Asian men tend to have a lower incidence of prostate cancer, while African-American men have one of the highest incidence rates in the world.

Risk Factors:

The following factors may increase a man's risk for prostate cancer:

• Age -- prostate cancer is most common among men who are older than 55.
• Race -- African-Americans have a greater risk of developing prostate cancer than Caucasians who, in turn, have a greater risk than Native and Latin Americans.
• Family history of prostate cancer -- having a brother with prostate cancer makes a man 4.5 times more likely to develop the disease. Having a father with prostate cancer makes a man 2.3 times more likely to develop prostate cancer.
• High-fat diet -- foods rich in saturated fat may increase testosterone levels, which stimulates the growth of the prostate.
• Lack of exercise -- may increase the risk in men who eat a high-fat diet.

Diagnosis:

The American Cancer Society recommends men have annual screening tests for prostate cancer starting at age 50. Two standard tests are used for early detection of prostate cancer:

• Digital rectal exam (DRE) -- in this test, the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum in order to feel the prostate for bumps or other abnormalities. Many malignant tumors begin in the outer part of the prostate and may be detected by this exam. Some men find this test embarrassing, but it is quick, relatively painless, and helps detect many prostate cancers.
• PSA test -- blood test measuring the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Prostate cancer cells produce elevated quantities of PSA, so measuring PSA levels may help detect cancer while it is still microscopic. However, finding elevated levels of PSA does not necessarily mean that the man has cancer. Benign conditions such as enlarged prostate can also elevate PSA levels.

If either the DRE or PSA test suggests the possible presence of cancer, the following tests will be performed to make a definite diagnosis:

• Transrectal Ultrasound -- using a small probe inserted into the rectum, sound waves help get a visual image of the prostate.
• Biopsy of the prostate -- a tissue sample is obtained through the rectum and examined for cancerous cells.

If the biopsy shows the presence of cancer, you may need more tests to see if the cancer has spread:

• Imaging tests -- computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may pinpoint the location of cancer that has spread beyond the prostate.
• Bone scans and x-rays -- these tests look for spread of cancer to the bones.
• Lymph node biopsy -- a surgical procedure to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymphatic system.

Preventive Care:

Regular screening may help detect prostate cancer in the early stages, before it has spread. Both the American Cancer Society and the American Urological Association recommend that men ages 50 - 70 should be screened annually. African-American men or those with a family history of prostate cancer should begin screening at age 40.

Studies also suggest that the following lifestyle changes may help reduce your risk of prostate cancer:

• Eating a diet low in saturated fat and rich in fruits and vegetables. Cancer-fighting foods include cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower), those containing the antioxidant lycopene (tomatoes and watermelon), and other foods rich in antioxidants (such as berries).
• Exercising regularly
• Not smoking

Treatment:

There are several options for treating prostate cancer, depending on how rapidly the cancer is growing, whether it has spread, how old you are, and the benefits and drawbacks to treatment.

If prostate cancer is detected early, treatment usually involves either surgical removal of the prostate or radiation therapy. For more advanced cases of prostate cancer, or if cancer spreads beyond the prostate, hormone medications may be used.

If the man is older than 70 and has only a slow-growing tumor, the doctor may suggest "watchful waiting." Watchful waiting involves closely monitoring the situation and giving treatment only if the man's condition worsens.

Making changes in the diet and considering certain herbs and supplements as supportive therapy may also help either reduce risk of prostate cancer or make treatment more effective. If you have prostate cancer, you should not use herbs or supplements without your doctor's supervision.

Acupuncture can relieve pain and the side effects of surgery while meditation and massage may reduce stress and anxiety associated with having prostate cancer.

Medications

Hormone therapy or chemotherapy may be used to stop the growth of cancer cells in the prostate. Sometimes medications are used in conjunction with surgery or radiation, or may be used prior to surgery or radiation to shrink large tumors. Generally they are used when prostate cancer has spread.

Hormone therapy decreases the body's production of testosterone or block its action in the body. Lowering testosterone levels can cause tumors to shrink or slow their growth. It is usually reserved for men whose prostate cancer has spread. These medications include:

• Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LH-RH) agonists -- LH-RH is a natural hormone, released by the hypothalamus in the brain, that lowers the production of testosterone. These drugs encourage the release of this natural hormone. Side effects can include hot flashes, weight gain, development of male breast tissue, breast pain, and nausea.
  • Leuprolide (Luron, Viadur)
  • Goserelin (Zoladex)
  • Buserelin (Suprefact)
• Antiandrogens -- prevent testosterone from reaching cancer cells by blocking the action of androgens (male sex hormones). Side effects can include reduced sex drive, fatigue, nausea, impotence, diarrhea, and hot flashes.
  • Flutamide (Eulexin)
  • Bicalutamide (Casodex)
  • Nilutamide (Nilandron)
• Chemotherapy -- may reduce symptoms in men whose cancer is advanced.

Surgery and Other Procedures

• Removal of the prostate (radical prostatectomy) -- used to treat prostate cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate gland. It is often performed if life expectancy is at least 10 years and cancer is confined to the prostate. There are two types of radical prostatectomy. In retropubic surgery, the prostate and surrounding lymph nodes are removed through an incision in the lower abdomen. In perineal surgery, the prostate is removed through an incision made between the anus and scrotum (the perineum). Side effects can include incontinence and impotence. In some cases, a technique called nerve-sparing surgery can preserve sexual function.
• Robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALRP) -- a newer procedure that uses a laparoscope, a long, thin tube with a camera, to magnify the area being removed. Smaller incisions allow a quicker healing time.
• Resection of the prostate (called TURP or transurethral resection of the prostate) -- removal of prostate tissue to relieve obstruction of urine. It is sometimes used to relieve symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia and may be used in men with prostate cancer who cannot have a radical prostatectomy.
• Removal of the testes (orchiectomy) -- lowers testosterone levels, but side effects can include impotence and hot flashes. Most men choose hormone therapy instead.
• Radiation -- uses radiation to kill cancer cells. There are two types of radiation therapy:
  • External beam radiation therapy (EBRT or ERT) -- uses a machine to send a high-energy beam to the tumor.
  • Radioactive seed implants (brachytherapy) -- implants tiny radioactive seeds in the prostate to deliver radiation over a longer time period. Using irradiated seeds can lower the risk of damage to organs surrounding the prostate from radiation.

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

A comprehensive treatment plan to support the health of men living with prostate cancer may include a range of complementary and alternative therapies. Preliminary studies suggest that some nutritional supplements may reduce the symptoms of some prostate cancer or lessen your risk of developing it. Ask your team of health care providers about the best ways to incorporate these therapies into your overall treatment plan. Always tell your health care provider about the herbs and supplements you are using or considering using, and do not try to treat prostate cancer with supplements on your own.

Follow these tips to reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer:

• Eat antioxidant foods, including fruits (such as berries, watermelon, and tomatoes) and vegetables (such as squash and bell peppers).
• Include more cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts) in your diet. One preliminary study suggested men who eat three or more servings a week lessened their chance of developing prostate cancer. Another study found that men who ate 28 or more servings of all types of vegetables per week were 35% less likely to develop prostate cancer than those who had fewer than 14 servings per week. These foods also appear to have anticancer properties in test tube studies.
• Eat more fish. Some studies show men who regularly eat fish have a lower risk of prostate cancer than those who don't consume as much fish.
• Don't eat foods high in saturated fat. High-fat diets may increase your risk of prostate cancer.
• Maintain a proper weight, and exercise regularly.

These nutrients may have cancer-fighting properties:

• Lycopene, 15 mg two times per day, is an antioxidant found in tomatoes and watermelon. In one preliminary study, men with prostate cancer either received a lycopene supplement or placebo for three weeks before undergoing prostate surgery. Those who received the supplement had less aggressive growth of cancer cells than those who received placebo. Lycopene also appears to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.
• Vitamin E -- in one lab test, a specific form of vitamin E blocked the growth of prostate cancer cells. Vitamin E may also lower the risk of developing prostate cancer in men who smoke. More research is needed to know whether vitamin E is beneficial for men who already have prostate cancer.

Herbs

Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to get your problem diagnosed before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, you should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day.

• Green tea (Camellia sinensis) standardized extract, 250 - 500 mg daily, is an antioxidant that may decrease risk of cancer and heart disease. In one study, green tea extract appeared to have a slight benefit in treating some forms of prostate cancer. Use caffeine-free products. You may also prepare teas from the leaf of this herb.
• Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) standardized extract, 160 mg two times daily, has been shown in some studies to help with symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It appears to have antiandrogenic effects. However, it's not clear whether saw palmetto has any effect on prostate cancer. And there has been some concern that saw palmetto could mask prostate cancer by lowering prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. However, a randomized study of more than 1,000 patients did not show this effect on PSA levels. Talk to your doctor about whether using saw palmetto is right for you.
• Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) -- In one lab test, milk thistle stopped prostate cancer cells from growing. However, there is no evidence yet that it works in humans.
• Garlic (Allium sativum), standardized extract, 400 mg two to three times daily, may help fight cancer cells, but more research is needed to know whether it's effective against prostate cancer.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture may provide relief from side effects of orchiectomy (removal of the testes). Studies also support the use of acupuncture for the pain that often occurs when cancer has spread beyond the prostate (particularly to the bones). A National Institutes of Health statement released in 1997 also supports the use of acupuncture to alleviate nausea associated with chemotherapy.

Evidence suggests acupuncture can be a valuable therapy for cancer-related symptoms (particularly nausea and vomiting that often accompanies chemotherapy treatment). Studies have also indicated that acupuncture may help reduce pain and shortness of breath. Acupressure (pressing on rather than needling acupuncture points) has also proved useful in controlling breathlessness and is a technique that patients can learn and then use to treat themselves.

Massage and Physical Therapy

Studies suggest that massage reduces stress and boosts immune function, so it may help relieve anxiety for men undergoing treatment for prostate cancer.

Pelvic floor exercises -- the repetitive use of muscles that start and stop the flow of urine -- may help decrease incontinence caused by prostatectomy (removal of the prostate).

Mind-Body Medicine

Meditation

Meditation may reduce stress, ease anxiety, and allow men with prostate cancer to regain a sense of self-control.

Other Considerations:

Prognosis and Complications

Most complications from prostate cancer result from specific treatments. These include:

• Prostatectomy -- can cause incontinence and impotence
• Radiation therapy -- can cause proctitis (inflammation of the lining of the rectum), bladder infections, and impotence
• Hormone medications -- can cause loss of sex drive, impotence, hot flashes, growth of male breasts, and tenderness in male breast tissue
• Removal of testes -- can cause impotence and hot flashes

The outlook for a man with prostate cancer depends on his age, the stage of tumor growth, whether he has any underlying medical illnesses, and his PSA levels. The prognosis for men with cancer that has not spread beyond the prostate is quite good. Most of these cancers are curable, and after 15 years the same number of these men will be alive as those who never had prostate cancer. If the cancer spreads beyond the prostate and does not respond to hormone medications, however, there is little hope for a cure. Still, prostate tumors are slow-growing, and even men with advanced prostate cancer can survive for 5 years or more.

Alternative Names:

Cancer - prostate