Cancer or carcinoma is the collective term for malignant tumors that may develop in the body. It is caused by an uncontrolled division of abnormal cells. Basically, cancer cells can occur anywhere in the body and spread to nearby organs or tissue. Fortunately, it is possible to detect and treat certain cancers at an early stage. This is especially true for cervical and breast cancer in women and prostate cancer in men.

Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal or cancerous cells continue to grow and divide until a tumor is developed. The prostate is located just below the bladder, around the urethra. Generally, prostate cancer develops slowly and can take its course over a long time. If cancer has not spread outside the prostate, little or no signs may be experienced. The chance of recovery after treatment is high, however, if a malignant tumor remains, it will spread, which may cause symptoms.

Signs and symptoms
It is possible for signs of prostate cancer to go unnoticed. It is advised to watch for the following symptoms from age 50:

• the frequent urination at night
• difficulty when urinating
• decreased flow or velocity of urine stream
• difficulty stopping urination (dripping)

It is important to realize that symptoms can have different causes and do not specifically indicate prostate cancer, there are also benign prostatic diseases.

Risk Factors 
There are some factors that may play a role in prostate cancer:

• age, after 50 the risk to develop prostate cancer is higher;
• if cancer occurs in the family the risk increases;
• ethnicity, populations from African heritage appear to be more likely to develop prostate cancer.

 

The examination procedure
A doctor examines the prostate through a rectal examination and checks for irregularities with a gloved finger through the anus. The examination itself is not painful, but many men find it uncomfortable. Laboratory testing can also be done, but in order to make an accurate diagnosis, a combination of both is required. If abnormalities are detected, the doctor will refer you to a specialist.

Important to remember
Every man can develop cancer, therefore, every man should have an annual exam from age 50. Early detection and treatment increase the chance of recovery and thus survival.