Prof. Dr. Rahmi Çubuk

Prostate Diseases

Prostate Diseases

Prostate Cancer

What is the Prostate ?

The prostate is a gland found only in males. It produces part of the semen. The prostate surrounds the urethra (the channel for urine) and is located below the bladder and just in front of the rectum. The size of the prostate changes with age. In young men, it is about the size of a walnut, but in older men, it can become much larger.

What is Prostate Cancer ?
Prostate cancer occurs when the cells in the prostate gland start to grow uncontrollably and malignantly. As prostate cancer grows, it can cause pressure on the urinary tract, leading to urinary problems such as frequent urination, difficulty urinating, or a weak urine stream. If the cancer progresses further, it can cause blood in the urine or semen and may spread to the bones, causing pain.

In some cases, prostate cancer grows slowly and may not cause symptoms, which could delay its diagnosis.

What are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer ?
In the early stages, prostate cancer often does not cause any noticeable symptoms. More advanced stages may lead to the following symptoms:

  • Weak or slow urine flow or the need to urinate frequently at night
  • Blood in the urine or semen
  • Difficulty with erections
  • Pain in the hips, back (spine), chest (ribs), or other areas where the cancer may have spread to the bones

These symptoms may also occur in conditions other than prostate cancer, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate due to aging. However, if any of these symptoms occur, it is important to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment if necessary.

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) ?  
After middle age, the prostate may enlarge. This enlargement is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is not cancerous. BPH can narrow the urethra and cause pressure on the bladder.

What is Prostatitis (Prostate Inflammation) ?
Prostatitis refers to the inflammation of the prostate, which can occur at any age in men. It is not cancerous. Symptoms can include pain, burning, tingling, and discharge in the urinary tract. Antibiotic treatment is typically effective for prostatitis.

How Common is Prostate Cancer ?
Apart from skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men in the United States. About 1 in 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

At What Age is Prostate Cancer More Common ?
Prostate cancer typically occurs in men after middle age. It is rare before the age of 40, and approximately 60% of prostate cancer diagnoses occur in men aged 65 or older. The average age of diagnosis is 66.

Are There Any Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer ?
Risk factors increase the likelihood of developing prostate cancer, but having one or more risk factors does not guarantee a person will get the disease. Some individuals without any known risk factors may still develop prostate cancer, while others with several risk factors may not develop it.

There are two main types of risk factors:

  1. Modifiable factors, such as smoking, which can be avoided.
  2. Non-modifiable factors, such as age or family history, which are beyond a person’s control.

What Are the Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer ?

  • Age: Prostate cancer is rare in men younger than 40. The likelihood increases significantly after 50 years old, with about 60% of cases diagnosed in men over 65 years.
  • Race: Prostate cancer is more common in African American men, especially in the United States. In contrast, it is less common in men from other parts of the world, such as Asia, Africa, and Central or South America.
  • Geography: Prostate cancer is more common in regions like North America, Northwestern Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean. It is less frequent in areas like Asia and Africa.
  • Family History: Men with a family history of prostate cancer (father, brother, etc.) are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer themselves. Having a father or brother with prostate cancer doubles the risk, especially if the relative was diagnosed at a young age.

Factors That May Not Directly Affect Prostate Cancer Risk:

  • Diet: Men who consume a lot of red meat or high-fat dairy products may have a slightly higher risk, but the exact cause remains unclear.
  • Obesity: There is no clear evidence that obesity increases the risk of prostate cancer.
  • Smoking: Most studies have not found a connection between smoking and prostate cancer.
  • Prostatitis (Prostate Inflammation): There is no direct link between prostatitis and prostate cancer. Some studies suggest that inflammation may increase the risk, but this connection is still under research.
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs): Studies have not reached a definitive conclusion regarding the role of STIs (such as gonorrhea or chlamydia) in prostate cancer risk.

Is Prostate Cancer Fatal ?
Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, after lung cancer. However, many men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die from it, especially when it is detected early and treated appropriately.