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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What is the Prostate?

Located deep inside a man's pelvis just below his bladder and in front of his rectum is a small gland called the prostate. The prostate surrounds the upper part of the urethra, the channel that allows both urine and semen to pass through the penis to the outside. Although the prostate gland is often described as being about the size and shape of a walnut or golf ball, a healthy prostate is actually more like a small, ripe plum. Its skin is soft, and, because it contains fluid-producing sacs (which, confusingly, are also called glands) the healthy prostate is spongy to the touch.

A gland is defined as an organ that produces fluid, and the prostate gland is no exception. It produces a part of the seminal fluid or semen that nourishes and protects the sperm, carrying it out through the penis during ejaculation. This production of seminal fluid is one of the main functions of the prostate, but it does other things as well. The prostate helps regulate the flow of urine, and, during a man's orgasm, the prostate's muscle cells (or muscular stroma) contract and help propel the seminal fluid out the penis. The prostate also produces a protein that is released into semen and is sometimes traceable in the blood. This protein is called prostate specific antigen (PSA), and it is useful in detecting prostate cancer.

For more about the function of the prostate click here.

Related Information:

"Anatomy Lesson for MPs"; PCCN Archives, 2001

PROSTATE OR PROSTRATE? - view this humourous video

"Function of the Prostate Gland" The Prostate Centre at Vancouver General Hospital