All men are at risk for developing prostate cancer. Every man has about a one in 10 chance of being diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime.

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that usually begins in the outer part of the prostate. In most men, the cancer grows very slowly. In fact, many men with the disease will never know they have the condition and can live with it for years with no symptoms or problems.

The cause of prostate cancer is unknown, but it is more common in African-American men, and men with a family history of the disease.  Screenings for these men should begin at age 40.

The greatest risk factor for prostate cancer is age. More than 75 percent of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over 65. Research suggests high-fat diets; high levels of the male hormone androgen; sedentary lifestyle; and smoking may be contributing factors.

Prostate cancer in its early stages may not show any symptoms, but as it progresses, some symptoms may appear including a need to urinate frequently, especially at night; difficulty or inability to urinate; weak or interrupted urine flow; painful or burning urination; painful ejaculation; blood in urine or semen; frequent pain or stiffness in the back, hips or upper thighs.

Most physicians recommend annual digital rectal exams and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests for all men beginning at age 50. Most early cases of prostate cancer are detected with a PSA blood test, with further tests prescribed by a physician.

Prostate cancer patients have several treatment options including radiation, chemotherapy, surgery (including freezing and other minimally invasive surgery techniques), and hormone treatment to reduce tumor size, or surveillance or watchful waiting, which is recommended for some patients, particularly those who are older or who suffer from other life-threatening conditions. In these cases, the cancer may be growing so slowly that it is not likely to be fatal.

Denver Health is a leader and pioneer in performing minimally invasive surgery for prostate cancer, effectively treating the cancer with rapid recovery.

While the number of men diagnosed with prostate cancer remains high, survival rates are also improving. Eighty-nine percent of the men diagnosed with the disease will survive at least five years.

Research shows that many patients detect their prostate cancer at a curable stage because of annual screenings. For more information, contact Denver Health's Urology Department at 303-436-6120.