Alicia Francis- rising singing star

Prostate cancer starts in the cells of the prostate gland. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. Its main function is to make part of the liquid (seminal fluid) that mixes with sperm from the testicles to make Causes of prostate cancer

There is no single cause of prostate cancer, but some factors increase the risk of developing it:

• age - being older than 65

• family history of prostate cancer

• African ancestry

Obesity, physical inactivity, eating a diet high in fat, and working with a metal called cadmium are being studied as possible risk factors. Eating a diet high in calcium is being studied as a possible risk factor. Calcium has many health benefits, and research so far tells us that the levels of calcium have to be very high - much higher than in the average man’s diet - for it to be a concern.

It is possible to develop prostate cancer without having any of these risk factors.

Symptoms of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer may not cause any signs or symptoms, especially in the early stages. Symptoms may appear if the tumour makes the prostate larger than normal and it starts to press on the urethra. This can make passing urine more difficult or painful or you may need to go more often.

As a man gets older, the prostate may become enlarged and block the urethra or bladder. This is a common condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is not cancer, but the symptoms of BPH are similar to the symptoms of prostate cancer. Testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis.

Diagnosing prostate cancer

Your doctor most likely suspected you had prostate cancer after talking with you about your health and completing a physical examination, including a digital rectal examination (DRE). The prostate gland can easily be felt by the doctor because it is close to the rectum.

To confirm the diagnosis, your doctor will arrange special tests. These tests may also be used to “stage” and “grade” the cancer.

Call Community Health for more information at 613-575-2341-ext. 3218 or 3219

Taken from Canadian Cancer Society- “Understanding your diagnosis”

semen. Semen is ejaculated during sex.

The prostate is about the size of a large walnut. It is located close to the rectum just below the bladder at the base of the penis. The prostate surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen through the penis.

bladder

• testicle

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in Canadian men. It usually grows slowly and can often be cured or managed successfully.