There are three diseases that can affect the Prostate:

• Infection
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
• Cancer

Infection
The Prostate gland may become infected due to bacteria moving up the urethra from the outside, or sometimes from an infection spreading from other parts of the body. This is usually treated by antibiotics.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (B.P.H)
This is a benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the Prostate gland. It is the most common problem of the Prostate gland in men over 50 years of age. As the gland enlarges it can cause a narrowing around the urethra making it steadily more difficult to pass urine. Eventually the urethra may become completely blocked.

Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is not common in men under 45. As a man ages the risk of developing Prostate cancer increases. In fact, it is one of the most common causes of death from cancer in men over the age of 70.

All men over 50 years should be aware of Prostate cancer.
The causes of Prostate cancer are unknown. It has been suggested that Prostate cancers are more common in:

• Men who have a family history of Prostate cancer.
• Men over 70 years of age.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, infection, or Prostate cancer may cause the following symptoms.

• Difficulty in passing urine or weak flow.
• Passing urine more frequently than usual, especially at night.
• Difficulty in starting the flow of urine.
• Blood in urine.
• Pain when passing urine.
• Any of the above symptoms with pains in the lower back, upper thighs or pelvic area.

If any of these symptoms occur they must be checked by a doctor. The earlier the doctor can check the symptoms the earlier the problem can be treated. In most cases the problems are due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, not cancer, although some can occur together.

Sometimes Prostate cancer may not cause any significant symptoms until its advanced.

The doctor will take a medical history and then do a physical examination. The Prostate gland can be examined by a doctor inserting a gloved finger into the rectum. The doctor can feel the Prostate through the rectal wall and feel whether it is hard and irregular.

Other tests may include:

• Prostate Specific Antigen (P.S.A.). PSA is a substance produced by the Prostate gland. The levels of P.S.A. in the blood can help indicate if changes are occurring in the gland. Increased P.S.A. levels be seen in Prostatic Hyperplasia, cancer, or inflammation of the Prostate gland.
• Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS). This test uses sound waves to produce an image of the inside of the Prostate gland for examination by the doctor. The main role of TRUS is to give more accurate Prostate biopsies.
• Prostate Biopsy. A small sample of the Prostate tissue is taken for examination by a Pathologist. This biopsy is often performed together with the transrectal ultrasound and is done through the rectal wall.
• Bone Scan and X-rays. These tests may be performed to check if the cancer has spread outside the Prostate gland.

• In men who do not have the symptoms there is no recommended routine screening procedures for detecting Prostate cancer. If any symptoms do occur it is important to see a doctor.
• Men with a family history of Prostate cancer are advised to see a doctor for ongoing management beginning in their 40's.
• It can be reassuring to seek a second medical opinion.

Copyright© Queensland Cancer Fund