Prostate cancer

Overview

Prostate carcinoma (prostate cancer) is the most common malignant tumour among men and mostly occurs between the ages of 60 and 80. After a long asymptomatic period, symptoms start in relation to emptying the bladder, causing blood in the urine and pain – sometimes in the bones. Urination problems and blood in the urine should be discussed with a doctor.

Symptoms

Early stage

• Asymptomatic for a long time, as tumour generally grows slowly

Advanced stage

• Bladder doesn’t empty completely
• Urinary incontinence
• Blood in urine
• Impotence
• Acute urinary retention (inability to pass urine)
• Pelvic pain
• Bone pain (bone metastases)
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite and weight loss

Causes and treatment

Causes

• Cause hasn't been identified
• Growth is promoted by androgens (male sex hormones)

Risk factors

• Advancing age (main risk factor)
• Region (US and Northern Europe)
  • Affluence/diet is suspected as a cause
• Family predisposition

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

Depending on the situation, a preventive examination/cancer diagnosis includes

• Physical examination of prostate and intestine
• Ultrasound (sonography)
• Blood test (PSA, cancer cells)
• Prostate biopsy (histological examination)
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
• Bone scintigraphy

Possible therapies

Depending on the stage, condition (age, other diseases, etc.) and needs of the patient

• Monitoring and regular check-ups (active surveillance)
• Watchful waiting if life expectancy is otherwise less than 10 years
• Total removal of prostate (and lymph nodes)
• Radiation therapy
• Hormone treatment (androgen inhibitors)
• Supporting treatment
  • Chemotherapy
  • Treatment of symptoms

Possible consequences of therapies

• Loss of or limited sexual function (impotence)
• Urinary incontinence (temporary or permanent)
• Urethral stricture

What can I do myself?

• Go for preventive examinations
  • Regularly from age 50
  • Before 50 if there's a family history
• Healthy lifestyle
  • Balanced and healthy diet
  • Regular exercise

Get a personal Preventive Care Recommendation now.

When to see a doctor?

• Blood in urine
• Problems with urination (see also prostatic hyperplasia)
• Involuntary leakage of urine
• Unexplained weight loss
• Bone pain, pelvic pain
• Prostate enlargement
• Involuntary leakage of urine
• Unexplained weight loss
• Bone pain, pelvic pain
• Emergency: Urinary retention (inability to pass urine)

Further information

Swiss Cancer League (Schweizerische Krebsliga)
www.krebsliga.ch

Selbsthilfe Schweiz (Self-Help Support Switzerland)
www.selbsthilfeschweiz.ch

Synonyms

prostate cancer, prostate carcinoma