Prostate Cancer
Resources
Publications
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer even though prostate cancer only
occurs in males. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid that
nourishes and transports the sperm.
Many prostate cancers grow slowly and stay in the prostate gland, where the cancer might not
cause serious harm; however, there are other types of prostate cancers that can be aggressive and
can spread quickly.
When prostate cancer is detected early, an individual has the best chance for successful
treatment.
Facts: According to the Illinois State Cancer Registry, there were 9,667 cases of prostate cancer
diagnosed in Illinois in 2021. In 2021, 1,169 Illinoisans died from prostate cancer.
What are the Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer?
Factors that can increase the risk of prostate cancer include:
Older age
Prostate cancer is most common in males over the age of 50.
Race
Black people have a greater risk of prostate cancer compared to people of other races. In
addition, Black people are more likely to have aggressive or advanced prostate cancer, but the
causes are unknown.
Family history
Having a blood relative who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, such as a parent, sibling,
or child, may increase your risk of prostate cancer. Also, if you have a family history of the
genes that increase the risk of breast cancer or a strong family history of breast cancer, you can
be at a greater risk of prostate cancer.
Obesity
Obese or overweight people are more likely to have prostate cancer that is aggressive, and the
cancer is more likely to return after the initial treatment.
What are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer may show no signs or symptoms in its early stages; however, in the later stages,
prostate cancer can show symptoms such as:
Trouble urinating
Decreased force in the stream of urine
Blood in the urine and/or semen
Bone pain
Losing weight without trying
Erectile dysfunction
How is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
After prostate cancer screening, if the screening detects an abnormality, your doctor may
recommend further tests to determine whether you have prostate cancer, such as:
Ultrasound
During a transrectal ultrasound, a small probe will be inserted into your rectum. Through sound
waves from the probe, a picture of your prostate gland is created.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
In some cases, your doctor might recommend an MRI scan of the prostate to take a more detailed
picture. Also, MRI images can help your doctor plan a procedure to remove prostate tissue
samples.
Collecting a sample of prostate tissue
To determine if there are cancer cells in the prostate, your doctor may recommend a procedure to
collect a sample of cells from your prostate (prostate biopsy). Prostate biopsy is often done using
a thin needle that is inserted into the prostate to collect tissue. Afterward, the tissue sample is
analyzed in a lab to determine if there are cancer cells present.
How to Prevent Prostate Cancer?
There is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer; however, there are things you can do to reduce
your risk of prostate cancer including:
Choose a low-fat diet
Increase the amount of fruit and vegetables you eat each day
Reduce the number of dairy products you eat each day
Maintain a healthy weight
Get regular exercise
Stop smoking
Drink less alcohol
Resources
American Cancer Society
CDC: Prostate Cancer
Mayo Clinic: Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer Foundation
Publications
Cancer Awareness in Illinois
2016 Prostate and Testicular Cancer Annual Report