Prostate Cancer is the number one cancer diagnosed in males in the United States; and the third leading cause of cancer related deaths in males.

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland found only in men which sits below the urinary bladder in the pelvis. The function of the prostate is primarily reproductive; it contributes to the production of semen. Prostate cancer is a disease in which the cells of the prostate become abnormal and start to grow uncontrollably, forming tumors. If the tumor is malignant, it has the potential to spread to other parts of the body.  Tumors that are not capable of spreading are said to be benign. 

No one knows exactly what causes prostate cancer, but studies have pointed to some risk factors associated with prostate cancer, including

• Age: Age is the strongest risk factor for prostate cancer.  This disease is rare in men younger than 45, but the chance of getting it goes up sharpley as a man gets  older.  In the United States, most men with prostate cancer are older than 65.
• Family history: A mans risk of prostate cancer is higher than average if his father or brother had the disease.
• Race: Prostate cancer is more common in African American men than in Caucasian or Hispanic men. It is less common in Asian and American Indian men.

Prostate cancer does not always have symptoms associated with it, but when symptoms are present they can include frequent urination, nocturia and incontinence. Generally speaking urinary difficulties and incontinence are characteristic of early stage prostate cancer symptoms. Men often experience frequent urination, although the amount of urine passed may be quite small. As a result of these symptoms, sleep may be disrupted several times a night. Further symptoms of prostate cancer can include the inability to urinate, painful urination, burning sensation during urination, weak flow of urine, leaking or dribbling of urine, sexual dysfunction and blood in the urine (hematuria). If a man experiences any of these urinary difficulties, he should immediately contact his primary care physician or a urologist.

Various screening tools exist to determine if a man is at high risk for prostate cancer or has prostate cancer. The most common screening methods include a blood test known as a PSA and a Digital Rectal Examination. The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a blood test that measures the levels of prostate specific antigen in the bloodstream.  High levels of PSA may indicate the presence of a tumor, or may indicate benign prostatic hyperplasia or other prostate disorders. A Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) is usually performed by a physician who palpates the prostate gland to examine the size, shape and texture of the prostate by touch.

The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that men over the age of fifty should have the test on a regular basis. The ACS also recommends that men of African American heritage, or men with a family history of prostate cancer, should start being screened at age 45.

Treatment for prostate cancer may involve surgery, radiation therapy, or hormonal therapy, and may vary from watchful waiting to a combination of treatments. The Joan Knechel Cancer Center at Hackettstown Regional Medical Center offers screenings throughout the year. The Center offers a full range of cancer treatment services including Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Diagnostic Imaging and Surgical Oncology. For additional information about prostate or any cancer, please contact the Joan Knechel Cancer Center at Hackettstown Regional Medical Center at (908) 441-1500.