PROSTATE CANCER

 

Prostate cancer is cancer that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized structure that makes up part of a man's reproductive system. It wraps around the urethra. This is the tube that carries urine out of the body.

 

Symptoms

With early prostate cancer, there are often no symptoms. The PSA blood test may be done to screen men for prostate cancer. Often, PSA level rises before there are any symptoms. The symptoms listed below can occur with prostate cancer as it grows larger in the prostate. These symptoms can also be caused by other prostate problems such as delayed or slowed start of urinary stream, dribbling or leakage of urine, most often after urinating, slow urinary stream, straining when urinating, or not being able to empty all of the urine and blood in the urine or semen. When the cancer has spread, there may be bone pain or tenderness, most often in the lower back and pelvic bones.

 

Outlook - Prognosis

How well you do depends on whether the cancer has spread outside the prostate gland and how abnormal the cancer cells are (the Gleason score) when you are diagnosed. A cure is possible if the cancer has not spread. Hormone treatment can improve survival, even if a cure is not possible. When calling your health care provider discuss the advantages and disadvantages of PSA screening.

 

Support Groups

You can ease the stress of illness by joining a prostate cancer support group. Sharing with others who have common experiences and problems can help you not feel alone.  Please contact Circle of Hope Inc. for our support meeting schedule. (661) 254-5218

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