Prostate cancer is a disease that happens when cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control and form a tumor. The prostate is a small gland found only in men, located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its main job is to make fluid that helps carry sperm out of the body during ejaculation. The prostate also produces a protein called prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, which doctors can measure in the blood to help check for problems with the prostate [3].
Most men do not think much about their prostate until they start having trouble with urination or other symptoms. Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, and the risk of getting it goes up as men get older, especially after age 50 [3]. Many men with prostate cancer do not have any symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular screening is important for early detection [7].
When prostate cancer does cause symptoms, they can be similar to those of other prostate problems, like an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. Both conditions can cause trouble starting to urinate, a weak urine stream, frequent urination, especially at night, and a feeling that the bladder does not empty completely [1]. However, prostate cancer can also cause other symptoms that are less common with BPH, such as blood in the urine or semen, pain during urination or ejaculation, pelvic discomfort, erectile dysfunction, and in advanced cases, back or bone pain, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss [2][3].
One of the main differences between an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer is that BPH is not cancer and does not increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, although both conditions can happen at the same time [1]. BPH is caused by the prostate gland getting bigger and pressing on the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine out of the body. This pressure can block the flow of urine and cause symptoms like urgency to urinate, difficulty passing urine, and waking up at night to go to the bathroom [4]. If left untreated, BPH can lead to complications such as bladder stones, infections, and even kidney damage [1].
Prostate cancer, on the other hand, is caused by changes in the DNA of prostate cells that make them grow out of control and form a tumor. These cancer cells can stay in the prostate or spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or lymph nodes, especially if the cancer is not found and treated early [5]. The exact cause of prostate cancer is not fully understood, but risk factors include older age, family history of prostate cancer, being African American, and lifestyle factors like obesity, diet, and smoking [1][8].
Doctors use several methods to check for prostate cancer. The first step is often a blood test to measure PSA levels. Higher PSA levels can be a sign of a prostate problem, but they do not always mean cancer is present. Other conditions, like BPH or infection, can also raise PSA levels [2]. If the PSA test is abnormal, or if a doctor feels something unusual during a digital rectal exam, they may recommend a biopsy to take a small sample of prostate tissue for testing [2].
Prostate cancer is divided into stages based on how far the cancer has spread. Stage 1 means the cancer is only in the prostate and has not spread to nearby lymph nodes or other areas. Stage 2 is still limited to the prostate but may have a higher Gleason score or PSA level. Stage 3 means the cancer may have spread beyond the prostate to nearby tissues, and stage 4 means it has spread to distant parts of the body, such as the bones or lymph nodes [6].
Treatment for prostate cancer depends on the stage of the cancer, the patient’s age and overall health, and other factors. Options can include surgery to remove the prostate, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy [6]. Early detection and treatment are key to improving outcomes and survival rates, which are very high when prostate cancer is found and treated in the early stages [3].
Men who are concerned about their risk of prostate cancer should talk to their doctor about screening and testing. Current guidelines suggest that men start screening at age 50, or earlier if they are at higher risk due to family history or other factors [2]. Regular check-ups and open communication with a healthcare provider are important for catching prostate problems early and getting the right care.
Sources
[1] https://arkansasurology.com/difference-enlarged-prostate-vs-prostate-cancer/
[2] https://flcancer.com/articles/prostate-cancer-mens-questions-answered/
[3] https://www.franciscanhealth.org/community/blog/prostate-cancer-symptoms-and-screening
[4] https://mariekeating.ie/cancer-information/prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-symptoms/
[5] https://www.webmd.com/prostate-cancer/prostate-cancer-spreads
[6] https://www.livenowfox.com/news/prostate-cancer
[7] https://www.nuvancehealth.org/health-tips-and-news/what-men-need-to-know-about-psa-screenings-prostate-cancer
[8] https://www.goodrx.com/conditions/prostate-cancer/leading-causes-of-prostate-cancer
