All men over the age of 50 are at a risk for prostate cancer. Although prostate cancer rarely occurs in young males, the disorder is primarily seen in older men and the risk of prostate cancer increases with age. More than 70% of men over the age of 65 are annually diagnosed with prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among North American men and accounts for 25% of cancers in men. Epidemiology shows that incidence rates for prostate cancer vary geographically. In North America there are variations in incidence rates within the population: the black population has a significantly higher rate than the white population and the Asian population have the lowest rate.
The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped organ located in the rectal area. It surrounds the base of the bladder through which runs the urethra. The primary function of the prostate is to produce seminal fluid which provides nourishment and transports sperm.
Prostate cancer is generally a slow growing tumor and typically starts off in the periphery of the gland. In the early stages, prostate cancer causes no symptoms. However, if left untreated, it can grow and invade adjacent organs and spread to other parts of the body. What causes prostate cancer and why some subtypes behave differently remains unknown. It is believed that a multitude of factors such as heredity, ethnicity, hormones, diet and environment may play a role in the cause of prostate cancer.
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