Common in older men, prostate cancer is a disease where cancer cells form in the tissues of the prostate. This eMedTV article explains the risk factors for prostate cancer and factors that can affect your treatment options and prognosis.
As this eMedTV article explains, the causes of prostate cancer are still under investigation. However, research has identified factors (such as family history) that, while not causes of the disease, may increase the risk of developing it.
Symptoms of prostate cancer, such as trouble controlling urine flow, may not appear for several years. This eMedTV article discusses prostate cancer symptoms in detail and describes tests used to detect the disease in the absence of symptoms.
While cancer may be suspected based on other tests, a prostate cancer diagnosis must be made with a biopsy. This eMedTV article explains the procedure used to diagnose the disease, including grading, staging, and second opinions.
A PSA test is used to screen for prostate cancer, as well as to monitor recurrence of the disease. This eMedTV article discusses this test in detail, including what the results mean, the test's limitations, and the controversy surrounding it.
On a screening test, a man can have low PSA, and prostate cancer can still be present, although in a clinically insignificant form. This eMedTV article discusses low PSA and prostate cancer in detail and explains recent research findings.
There are five stages of prostate cancer: stages 1 through 4 and recurrent cancer. This eMedTV article discusses these stages in detail, including the tests used to make the determination, such as bone scan, PSA test, CT, and MRI.
As this eMedTV article explains, a Gleason score of 2 to 10 is used to grade whether a prostate tumor is likely to be slow-growing or to metastasize (spread). This Web page explains the process by which this score is determined.
This article on the eMedTV Web site discusses both local and systemic forms of prostate cancer treatment. In addition, the pros and cons of these various treatment options, as well a list of questions to ask your healthcare provider, are provided.
As this eMedTV segment explains, a person's prognosis for prostate cancer tends to depend more on the stage and grade of the tumor than on the treatment methods. This article discusses in detail the prognosis for each stage of the disease.
Is prostate cancer screening right for you? This eMedTV page explains prostate cancer screening methods in detail and presents the risks and benefits. By knowing the pros and cons of screening, men can make the best decisions regarding their health.
As this eMedTV page explains, you can reduce your risk of prostate cancer through diet, lifestyle, hormonal therapy, and chemoprevention. While these methods are not guaranteed to prevent prostate cancer, the chances of getting the disease are smaller.
As this eMedTV segment explains, current research on prostate cancer is attempting to determine the cause of the disease as well as new treatment methods. This article discusses the many different areas of research on this disease.
Recent clinical trials suggest a link between prostate cancer chemotherapy and survival. This eMedTV article discusses the background and results of these studies on prostate cancer chemotherapy and survival in detail and explains their limitations.
Prostate cancer statistics, such as those in this eMedTV article, indicate that a man has about a 17 percent chance of being diagnosed with the disease in his lifetime. Other statistics pertain to the stage of prostate cancer, mortality rates, and more.
To date, there is no definite, verifiable evidence documenting a link between vasectomy and prostate cancer. This eMedTV article explains research studies on vasectomy and prostate cancer, including how testicular cancer may be a greater risk.
