Prostate cancer occurs when the cells of the prostate begin to grow uncontrollably, causing a swelling or a tumour of the prostate. If left untreated, prostate cancer cells eventually break out of the prostate and invade distant parts of the body, producing secondary tumours and making the disease more difficult to treat. However, when diagnosed and treated early and effectively, prostate cancer has a cure rate of over 90%.

Of major concern though, is that every year around 18,700 Australian men are diagnosed with prostate cancer and more than 2,900 die of the disease, making it the second largest cause of male cancer deaths, after lung cancer.

Where is the Prostate?

The Prostate is a male only organ located immediately below the bladder and just in front of the bowel. The prostate surrounds the first stage of the urethra - the duct through which urine flows out to the penis. 

Functions of the Prostate?

The prostate has three functions: to produce fluid for semen, which helps move sperm during orgasm; to make prostate specific antigen (PSA); and to control urine flow.

Prostate Disorders

There are three common disorders of the prostate - Prostatitis, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, and Prostate Cancer. All can have similar symptoms, which may include one or more of the following:

- Waking frequently at night to urinate
- Sudden or urgent need to urinate
- Difficulty in starting to urinate
- Slow flow of urine and difficulty in stopping
- Discomfort when urinating
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Decrease in libido (sex urge)
- Reduced ability to get an erection

Most men tend to accept the onset of one or more of these symptoms as being a natural consequence of ageing.

Early expert diagnosis and treatment is important and may avert potentially serious health consequences. It's a must to get tested annually, beginning at age 50 or even earlier, to identify prostate disease before symptoms are evident.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlargement of the prostate is quite common in older men. It is also NOT prostate cancer. Some enlargement of the prostate is usual in most men from age 50 onwards. If the enlargement is sufficient to squeeze the urethra difficulties with urination may occur. Treatment of BPH may require antibiotics, or, in more developed cases, an operation to widen the urethral passage. Most forms of BPH respond well to treatment and seldom progress to prostate cancer.

Prostatitis

Prostatitis is the least common of the prostate disorders, usually taking the form of an inflammation of the prostate. It is NOT prostate cancer. Of the three disorders, this is the only one which may be encountered in younger men. If diagnosed early, it can usually be treated with antibiotics.

Reference: Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia website [www.prostate.org.au].