Prostate cancer is an extremely serious condition where the cells mutate and multiply beyond all control. The cells can spread from the prostate all over the human body, in particular into the skeletal structure. Prostate cancer can be very painful and may cause various other problems including sexual dysfunction. It is more commonly found in the western world, particularly the US and Europe and is less present in Asia. It’s is the most common form of cancer in men and occurs frequency in men over fifty years old. It is particularly insidious as it’s hard to detect - most people never actually have the symptoms associated with prostate cancer because it’s a slow form of cancer and most affects old people.

It may be cured by surgery in its early stages or radiation therapy. Other treatments also exist but are typically less effective, including chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and ultrasound treatments. Given the age of those typically affected, treatment is a trade-off between the effects of the cancer and the harmful effects of the treatment itself. Often people decide to simply live with the cancer. In the early stages there are no symptoms. It is only found later, mostly through routine checks. Occasionally it may manifest itself through problems with urination Genetic background is an important indicator of risk of developing prostate cancer.

Studies have found that in the United States, this form of cancer affects more black men than white or Hispanic men and also kills more black men. Men whose close relative had prostate cancer are also almost three times as likely to develop the cancer themselves. The genes connected to prostate cancer are also important for ovarian cancer and breast cancer.

Additionally, a lack of intake of vitamins contributes to the risk, as does the low intake of minerals. However there is a dietary form of Vitamin A that reacts with zinc and protein and has been implicated with added risk for this type of cancer. Aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen may decrease the risk of cancer, as does the use of statins. Sexually transmitted infections and obesity are positively correlated with cancer as well. The only test that can definitely find prostate cancer is biopsy where small pieces of the prostate are removed for microscopic evaluation. This is only done after other tests, because many men complain of discomfort during the procedure. If the cancer spreads beyond the prostate, treatment options are limited.