Prostate cancer develops in a man’s prostate gland and is the second most prevalent cancer among men. Early detection of prostate cancer significantly improves the chances of successful treatment. Regular prostate screenings are crucial for catching the disease early.

Many prostate cancers grow slowly and may not require immediate treatment. While prostate cancer can be serious, most men diagnosed with it will not succumb to the disease.

At Golden Gate Urology, our urologists are committed to addressing your concerns and creating a personalized treatment plan to manage your prostate cancer while prioritizing your overall health.

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Causes

The exact causes of prostate cancer are not known, but several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing the disease:

  • Age: Screening is generally recommended in all men, and the age to start screening is a shared decision-making process with your doctor.
  • African American ethnicity
  • Family history of prostate cancer

Diagnosis

Prostate cancer often presents with no noticeable symptoms. It is commonly detected through elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in a blood test or during a digital rectal exam. If PSA levels are high, a biopsy will be performed to extract a small tissue sample from the prostate. If cancer is found, the biopsy will be examined under a microscope to determine the Gleason score, which assesses the likelihood of cancer spread.

PSA screening should start at age 45, or at age 40 for those with increased risk factors such as family history, African American ethnicity, or known genetic mutations.

Symptoms of prostate cancer may include:

  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Painful urination
  • Pelvic discomfort
  • Reduced urine stream

Treatment

Treatment options are tailored based on factors such as age, overall health, and the severity of the cancer. A treatment plan will be developed by a urologist, and potentially a radiation oncologist.

Common treatments for prostate cancer include:

  • Active Surveillance: For slow-growing cancers, close monitoring may be sufficient without immediate treatment.
  • Surgery: A prostatectomy may be an option for some patients, involving the surgical removal of the prostate.
  • Radiation Therapy: External beam therapy, guided by CT scans and MRIs, delivers targeted radiation to the tumor.
  • Hormone Therapy: This approach lowers testosterone levels to slow cancer growth and is often combined with radiation therapy.

Annual PSA level checks are recommended to detect prostate cancer at the earliest possible stage.

FAQs

How common is prostate cancer?

​About 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime.

Are some men more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer?

Men of African descent are about 76% more likely to develop prostate cancer. All men between ages 55 and 69 should be regularly screened for prostate cancer.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

Many men often show no symptoms of prostate cancer in the early stages. Symptoms of more developed prostate cancer can include erectile dysfunction, painful urination, discomfort in the pelvic area, and decreased urine stream.

How is prostate cancer treated?

Depending on patient factors such as age, general health, and the severity of cancer, a treatment plan will be created by the urologist.

Is prostate cancer curable?

Since prostate cancer is detected in the early stages 90% of the time, nearly 100% will be disease-free after five years.