What Is Prostate Cancer? Symptoms, Stages, Treatment and Survival

What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a condition that develops when cells in the prostate gland begin to grow abnormally. The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder.

The prostate gland produces fluid that forms part of semen. It plays an important role in male reproductive health. As men age, the prostate may naturally enlarge. This is a common condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and is not the same as prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer in men is most commonly diagnosed in those over 50 years of age. It is rare in younger men. Understanding what prostate cancer is can help men recognise the importance of being aware of their prostate health as they age.

Causes and Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

The exact causes of prostate cancer are not fully understood. However, research has identified several risk factors for prostate cancer that may increase the likelihood of developing the condition.

Age

Age is the most significant risk factor. Prostate cancer is rare in men under 50. The risk increases considerably after this age. Most cases are diagnosed in men over 65. The older a man gets, the more likely he is to develop prostate cancer.

Genetics and Family History

Family history plays an important role. Men with a father or brother who had prostate cancer may have a higher risk. The risk may be even greater if the relative was diagnosed before age 60 or if multiple family members have been affected.

Certain inherited gene changes may also increase risk. These include mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which are also associated with breast and ovarian cancer.

Ethnicity Considerations

In the UK, prostate cancer is more common in Black men than in White or Asian men. Black men are also more likely to develop prostate cancer at a younger age. The reasons for this are not fully understood but may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

Lifestyle and Health Factors

Early Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

One of the challenges with early prostate cancer symptoms is that the condition often causes no symptoms in its early stages. Many men with early-stage prostate cancer are unaware they have it. This is why awareness of risk factors and proactive health monitoring can be valuable.

What Is the First Sign of Prostate Cancer?

There may be no obvious first signs of prostate cancer. When symptoms do appear, they often relate to urinary function because the prostate surrounds part of the urethra. However, it is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as benign prostate enlargement or infection.

Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer

The following symptoms may indicate various prostate conditions and can sometimes suggest prostate cancer. However, they are not specific to cancer alone:

These signs of prostate cancer may also be associated with benign conditions. If you experience any persistent changes in urinary habits, it may be helpful to discuss them with a healthcare professional.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms by Stage

The symptoms of prostate cancer in men can vary depending on how advanced the disease has become. Understanding the general pattern of prostate cancer stages and their associated symptoms may help with awareness.

Stage 1 Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Prostate cancer symptoms stage 1 are typically minimal or absent. At this early stage, the cancer is usually small and confined to a small area of the prostate. Most men with stage 1 prostate cancer do not notice any symptoms. The cancer is often discovered through routine screening or incidentally during other medical investigations.

Stage 2 Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Stage 2 prostate cancer symptoms may still be subtle or absent. The cancer remains within the prostate but may be larger or in more than one area of the gland. Some men may begin to experience mild urinary symptoms, though many still have no noticeable signs.

Stage 3 Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Stage 3 prostate cancer symptoms may become more apparent. At this stage, the cancer has begun to spread beyond the outer layer of the prostate to nearby tissues, such as the seminal vesicles. Symptoms may include:

• More noticeable urinary difficulties
• Blood in urine or semen may sometimes occur
• Possible discomfort in the pelvic area

Stage 4 Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Stage 4 prostate cancer symptoms may be more significant. This is advanced prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, such as lymph nodes, bones, or other organs. Metastatic prostate cancer symptoms can include:

Does Prostate Cancer Cause Pain?

In its early stages, prostate cancer typically does not cause pain. Pain may be more likely to occur with advanced prostate cancer symptoms, particularly if the cancer has spread to bones. Prostate cancer back pain symptoms are among the more common complaints when the disease has progressed. However, back pain has many possible causes, and experiencing back pain does not necessarily indicate prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Stages Explained

Understanding prostate cancer stages helps explain how far the cancer has developed. Staging is determined through various assessments and helps healthcare professionals understand the extent of the disease.

What Staging Means

Staging describes the size of the cancer and whether it has spread. In the UK, the TNM system is commonly used. This considers:

• T (Tumour): The size and extent of the primary tumour
• N (Nodes): Whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes
• M (Metastasis): Whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body

Early vs Advanced Stages

Early-stage prostate cancer (stages 1 and 2) is localised to the prostate gland. At these stages, the cancer has not spread beyond the prostate. Locally advanced prostate cancer (stage 3) has begun to spread to tissues near the prostate. Advanced or metastatic prostate cancer (stage 4) has spread to more distant parts of the body.

Staging helps inform discussions about prognosis and possible management approaches. Each individual situation is unique, and staging is just one factor among several that healthcare professionals consider.

How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

Prostate cancer may be identified through various assessment methods. This section provides general, informational awareness only. It is not clinical instruction.

Blood-Based Indicators (PSA Awareness)

A PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels may sometimes indicate prostate problems, including prostate cancer. However, raised PSA can also be caused by:

• Benign prostate enlargement (BPH)
• Prostate infection or inflammation
• Recent physical activity or certain medical procedures

For more information about how blood tests may support cancer awareness, see our article on cancer screening blood tests.

Other Assessment Methods

If initial assessments suggest further investigation is needed, healthcare professionals may use additional methods:

• Digital rectal examination (DRE): A physical examination to feel the prostate for any abnormalities
• MRI scan: Imaging to visualise the prostate and surrounding tissues
• Biopsy: Taking small tissue samples for laboratory analysis

Diagnosis is determined by qualified medical professionals through appropriate clinical pathways. This article is for educational awareness only.

Prostate Cancer Treatment

Prostate cancer treatment varies between individuals. The approach depends on many factors, including the stage of the cancer, the grade (how aggressive it appears), overall health, age, and personal preferences.

General Treatment Categories

Treatment options for prostate cancer may include:

• Active surveillance: Careful monitoring with regular tests, sometimes used for slow-growing cancers
• Watchful waiting: Monitoring symptoms without regular tests, typically for older men or those with other health conditions
• Surgery: Removal of the prostate gland (prostatectomy)
• Radiotherapy: Using radiation to destroy cancer cells
• Hormone therapy: Reducing testosterone levels that can fuel cancer growth
• Chemotherapy: Medication to kill cancer cells, often used for advanced cancer

Prostate Cancer Survival Rate and Prognosis

The prostate cancer survival rate in the UK has improved significantly over recent decades. According to Cancer Research UK, survival rates for prostate cancer are among the highest of all cancers.

Population-Level Survival Rates

Factors Influencing Prognosis

Prostate cancer prognosis varies between individuals and depends on several factors:

• The stage at which the cancer is identified
• The grade (aggressiveness) of the cancer
• PSA levels
• Overall health and age
• Response to treatment

Can Prostate Cancer Be Cured?

For many men with localised prostate cancer, treatment may effectively control the disease for many years or even indefinitely. Some early-stage prostate cancers may be considered cured following successful treatment. However, outcomes vary between individuals, and ongoing monitoring is typically recommended.

For advanced prostate cancer, while cure may not always be possible, treatments can often control the cancer for a significant period, helping to maintain quality of life.

When Should Someone Seek Medical Advice?

Being aware of changes in your body can support early conversations with healthcare professionals. Consider seeking medical advice if you experience:

Family History Considerations

Men with a family history of prostate cancer may wish to discuss their individual situation with a healthcare professional. This is particularly relevant for men over 40 with close relatives who had prostate cancer.

Remember, many symptoms can have causes other than cancer. Seeking medical advice provides clarity and peace of mind.

Benefits of Preventive Health Screening

Regular health screening can support awareness of your overall wellbeing and provide valuable baseline information. While screening cannot prevent prostate cancer, it may support early awareness.

A full body health check can provide comprehensive insights into multiple aspects of your health, including markers that may be relevant to prostate health awareness.

Key Takeaways

Frequently Asked Questions