About Prostate Cancer

According to the National Cancer Institute, prostate cancer is the most common cancer, other than non-melanoma skin cancer, and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men in the United States.  Each year, more than 186,000 American men learn they have this disease. Men with certain risk factors are more likely than others to develop the disease. 

Published data suggests that one of the most important factors in treating prostate cancer is early diagnosis and accurate treatment by experienced physicians.

Prostate Cancer and Risk Factors

Studies have found the following risk factors for prostate cancer:

• Age over 65: Age is the main risk factor for prostate cancer. The chance of getting prostate cancer increases as you get older. In the United States, most men with prostate cancer are over 65. This disease is rare in men under 45.
• Family history: Your risk is higher if your father, brother, or son had prostate cancer.
• Race: Prostate cancer is more common among black men than white or Hispanic/Latino men. It's less common among Asian/Pacific Islander and American Indian/Alaska Native men. 
• Certain prostate changes: Men with cells called high-grade prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) may be at increased risk of prostate cancer. These prostate cells look abnormal under a microscope.
• Certain genome changes: Researchers have found specific regions on certain chromosomes that are linked to the risk of prostate cancer. According to recent studies, if a man has a genetic change in one or more of these regions, the risk of prostate cancer may be increased. The risk increases with the number of genetic changes that are found. Also, other studies have shown an elevated risk of prostate cancer among men with changes in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

A man with prostate cancer may not have any symptoms. For men who do have symptoms, the common symptoms include:

• Urinary problems 
• Not being able to pass urine
• Having a hard time starting or stopping the urine flow
• Needing to urinate often, especially at night
• Weak flow of urine
• Urine flow that starts and stops
• Pain or burning during urination
• Difficulty having an erection
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Frequent pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs

Most often, these symptoms are not due to cancer. BPH, an infection, or another health problem may cause them. If you have any of these symptoms, you should tell your doctor so that problems can be diagnosed and treated.

Prostate Cancer Treatment

The suitability of prostate cancer treatment options must be based on a number of factors, including:

• Stage of prostate cancer
• Current state of health and age
• Personal preferences
• Side effects of the different treatment options

Prostatectomy is the most common prostate cancer treatment for early-stage localized cancer in the United States today. Spartanburg Regional offers the most advanced form of prostate cancer surgery practiced today – robotic prostatectomy. Robotic prostatectomy offers many benefits over traditional surgical procedures (open or laparoscopic).

At Spartanburg Regional, our leading surgeons, experienced staff and state-of-the-art facility offer the most advanced procedures in a caring environment.
For more prostate cancer information or to learn if you’re a candidate for robotic prostatectomy, contact us today.