Prostate Cancer Canada Network

In The News

Well-Done Meat Consumption May Increase Prostate Cancer Risk
Research into the dietary habits of about a thousand men from the Cleveland area has found that a high consumption of meats, especially of red meat prepared by grilling, is positively associated with an increased risk of developing aggressive prostate cancer. This particular study, which was led by Dr. John Witte of the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), has a number of limitations, but it does add support to other investigations connecting meat consumption with cancer risk.

Toronto researchers speculate regarding a link between prostate cancer and oral contraceptive use
Very preliminary and speculative research, designed to spark further inquires, suggests that there may be a connection between oral contraceptive use and rising rates of prostate cancer. One theory is that the widespread use of birth-control pills in various populations may result in a higher level of estrogen in the environment, which might, in turn, increase prostate cancer risk.

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Symptoms

A symptom is what a person or patient experiences rather than what a doctor or other medical professional observes. Unfortunately, early prostate cancer causes no symptoms. Typically, prostate cancer grows quite slowly and, at first, without much disruption to the body.

This is the dilemma: early prostate cancer causes no symptoms, but catching prostate cancer early is the key to surviving. Usually, at its earliest and most treatable stage, prostate cancer is found after a doctor observes some sign that a patient might have a prostate problem. Perhaps, for example, the doctor feels something odd during a digital rectal exam (DRE) or looks at blood test results showing a higher than normal level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA).

See PCC's Early Detection Guidelines HERE.

When a prostate cancer tumour grows, it can cause various symptoms. Most of these symptoms, however, can be caused either by other conditions of the prostate ( such as prostatitis or benign prostatic hperplasia [BPH]) or by aging. Nevertheless, men with any of the following symptoms should consult their doctors:

trouble passing urine (including difficulty beginning and ending urination),
weak or interrupted flow of urine,
passing urine frequently (particularly at night),
inability to urinate,
pain or a burning sensation when urinating, or
blood in the urine.

If these urinary troubles develop quite quickly, say over a six-month period, prostate cancer is more likely to blame than if they develop gradually. Urinary difficulties that develop slowly are more likely to be caused by aging or by BPH. Also, blood in the urine at the beginning or end of the urine stream is more usually a symptom of prostate cancer than blood that is visible throughout the urination process, which is often a sign of bladder or kidney problems.

Other symptoms can include:

difficulty having an erection;
pain when reaching orgasm;
blood in the semen (only rarely a consequence of prostate cancer);
pain in the bones of the pelvis, lower back, hips, or upper thighs;
abdominal pain or fever and chills; and
swelling of the scrotum, penis, legs, and feet.

Again, you do not necessarily have prostate cancer if you experience one or more of these symptoms, but you should seek medical help. And consulting your doctor as soon as possible is wise.