Prostate Cancer
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Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men. One in eight men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime. The good news: today’s treatments are safer and more effective than ever. Mercy offers leading-edge technology, expertise and support to treat prostate cancer while easing the journey for patients and their loved ones.
Mercy Locations Treating Prostate Cancer
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Why Choose Mercy for Prostate Cancer Care?
Mercy brings together leading experts in prostate cancer treatment, equipped with the very latest technology and medical intelligence. Before, during and after treatment, our supporting caregivers are here to help you physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Our treatment center features:
- Highly trained and experienced cancer specialists
- CyberKnife robotic surgery for non-invasive, targeted treatment
- Proton therapy to protect nearby healthy tissues during radiation
- Precision medicine for a customized treatment plan based on your genetics
- Coordinated care from a unified team of nurse navigators, radiation oncologists and oncologists
- Nutrition programs, financial assistance, lodging assistance, social work and spiritual care
- Clinical trial opportunities
What is Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer among American men, second only to skin cancer. Prostate cancer develops in your prostate, a gland found only in men. When prostate cancer occurs, it can sometimes spread to the nearby seminal vesicles. If prostate cancer is found early, when it’s still only in the prostate gland, treatment has a greater chance of succeeding.
Depending on your risk factors, you may need to begin screening as early as age 40. Talk with your doctor about what’s best for you and learn more about screening for prostate cancer here.
Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma is the most common type of prostate cancer that forms in glandular cells. These types of cells are found in the tissue of certain internal organs, including the prostate, which makes substances vital to the body.
Small-Cell Carcinoma
The American Urological Association estimates that small-cell carcinoma makes up approximately 1% of all prostate cancer diagnoses. However, it can spread to other parts of the body quicker than adenocarcinoma, making it more difficult to treat if not caught early.
Recurrent Prostate Cancer
When prostate cancer has returned following initial treatment, it’s known as recurrent prostate cancer. However, not all forms of recurrence are the same. You’ll want to talk with your Mercy doctor to determine if your recurrent prostate cancer is considered low-risk or high-risk.
Although the exact causes of prostate cancer are unknown, the disease may be related to pre-cancerous changes in the cells of the prostate. Other than your diet, most prostate cancer risk factors are out of your control. Prostate cancer risk factors include:
Age
Your risk rises rapidly after age 50. Around 60% of prostate cancer cases are found in men older than 65.
Race/Ethnicity
Your race may be a risk factor for developing prostate cancer. For instance, prostate cancer is more common among African American men than men of other races.
Family History & Inherited Gene Mutations
About 5 to 10% of prostate cancers are hereditary, meaning the cancer is caused by an inherited gene. Men with immediate family members who have had prostate cancer have twice as high a risk of developing it. If several of your relatives have had prostate cancer, especially if they were diagnosed at a young age, your risk is much higher.
Diet
Men whose diet is high in red meat and/or high-fat dairy products appear to have a slightly higher risk of developing prostate cancer. However, being overweight doesn’t appear to be a significant risk factor for prostate cancer.
High Testosterone Levels
An increase in testosterone levels stimulates the growth of the prostate gland, making some men more susceptible to prostate cancer.
Signs and symptoms don’t often show up until prostate cancer is already at an advanced stage. As the cancer becomes more advanced, prostate cancer signs may include:
- Difficulty urinating, including a slow or weak stream
- Frequent urination, especially during the night
- Bloody urine or semen
- Trouble getting or maintaining an erection
- Pain or discomfort in your pelvic area
If prostate cancer has spread, symptoms may include:
- Pain in the hips, spine and ribs
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
- Loss of bladder or bowel control due to cancer pressing on the spinal cord
Imaging tests use a combination of X-rays and radioactive substances to create a picture of the inside of your body. Diagnostic imaging tests may be used to help your Mercy doctor look for prostate cancer, observe the prostate during certain procedures (such as a prostate biopsy) and determine if your cancer has already spread to other areas of the body. Imaging tests used in the diagnosis of prostate cancer are:
Designed to help pinpoint any DNA alterations that may be contributing to the growth of a tumor, advanced genomic testing allows your Mercy doctor to identify treatments for specific mutations.
