Prostate cancer

The prostate gland makes fluid that forms part of semen. The prostate lies just below the bladder in front of the rectum. It surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine and semen through the penis and out of the body. 
 
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the United States, after skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of death from cancer in men. Men over 50, or over 40 with a family history should talk to their doctor about screening. Most prostate cancers are found early through screening. 
 

Know the signs* 

Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms. While not common, symptoms of early prostate cancer might include: 

• Problems urinating, including a slow or weak urinary stream or the need to urinate more often, especially at night. 
• Blood in the urine or semen. 

Along with the symptoms above, more advanced prostate cancer can sometimes cause other symptoms, such as: 

• Trouble getting an erection (erectile dysfunction or ED). 
• Weight loss. 
• Feeling very tired. 

Most of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by something other than prostate cancer. For example, trouble urinating is much more often caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous growth of the prostate. 

Prostate cancer usually grows very slowly. Most men with prostate cancer are older than 65 years and do not die from the disease. Finding and treating prostate cancer before symptoms occur may improve health or help you live longer. 
 
Treatment may include: 

• Watchful waiting or active surveillance: Surveillance is closely following a patient's condition without giving any treatment unless there are changes in test results. 
• Surgery: Surgery could include radical prostatectomy, either open or via the da Vinci robot. 
• Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy is a cancer treatment that removes hormones or blocks their action and stops cancer cells from growing. 
• Bisphosphonate therapy: Bisphosphonate drugs reduce the risk for osteoporosis that may be associated with hormone therapy. 
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses drugs to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. 
• Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy X-rays or other types of radiation to kill cancer cells or keep them from growing. 

Call to schedule an appointment with Prevea Urology:
Green Bay, Sturgeon Bay and Oconto Falls (920) 436-1359
Sheboygan, Plymouth and Manitowoc (920) 458-6664