Prostate cancer: causes and symptoms

What causes prostate cancer?

While the causes of prostate cancer are unknown, the chance of developing prostate cancer increases:

  • as you get older - it mainly affects men over 65;
  • if your father or brother has had prostate cancer;
  • if you have a strong family history of breast cancer.

In 5-10 per cent of men with prostate cancer, their family medical history may indicate they have an inherited gene that contributed to the cancer's development.

You may have an inherited prostate cancer gene if you have:

  • multiple relatives with prostate cancer or breast cancer on the same side of the family (either the mother's or father's side)
  • younger male relatives (under 50) with prostate cancer.

If you are concerned about your family history of prostate cancer, you may wish to ask your doctor for a referral to a family cancer clinic or a urologist to advise you on suitable testing for you and your family.

Men should discuss their individual need for prostate cancer screening with their GP.

Symptoms of prostate cancer

Early prostate cancer rarely causes symptoms. This is because the cancer is not large enough to put pressure on the urethra.

If the cancer grows and spreads beyond the prostate (advanced cancer), it may cause:

  • pain or burning when urinating;
  • increased frequency or difficulty urinating;
  • blood in the urine or semen;
  • pain in the lower back, hips or upper thighs.

Advanced prostate cancer can press on the urethra and cause urinary problems but by then it is probably causing other more serious symptoms.

These symptoms are common to other conditions and may not be a sign of advanced prostate cancer. If you are concerned about cancer and/or are experiencing any of these symptoms, speak to your general practitioner (GP).

For more information call the Cancer Council Helpline on 13 11 20.


 

Last Reviewed: 01 June 2011

myDr, 2001. Reproduced with the kind permission of The Cancer Council New South Wales.
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