Prostate Cancer

What Is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. Prostate cancer starts when cells in the prostate begin to grow out of control.

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and it is most often found in older men. When it is found early, it is usually very treatable. Read more about prostate cancer from Northside Hospital Cancer Institute.

Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they are usually caused by the cancer growing, although many of them can also be caused by other prostate problems. Symptoms may include:

• A slow or weak urinary stream
• Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Trouble getting an erection
• Pain in the hips, back, chest or other bones, if the cancer has spread to the bones
• Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet

Prostate Cancer Screening

There is no guaranteed way to prevent prostate cancer, but regular screening helps find it early, when it is most treatable. Beginning at age 40, men should discuss the pros and cons of screening with a physician, especially those at higher risk.

Screening usually starts with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. A digital rectal exam may also be part of the evaluation. Northside Hospital Cancer Institute holds community PSA screenings each year at locations across Georgia; call 404-531-4444 for dates.

How Prostate Cancer Is Diagnosed

Finding prostate cancer at its early stages can save lives. Diagnostic tests may include digital rectal examinations, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) lab tests, transrectal ultrasounds and biopsies.

When screening results are abnormal, a biopsy is needed to diagnose prostate cancer. It is usually done by a urologist in the office and takes about 10 minutes. If the biopsy shows cancer, more tests may follow, such as molecular (genomic) testing to estimate how quickly the cancer may grow, and genetic testing to look for inherited gene changes.

A Team of Prostate Cancer Specialists

Through our affiliation with Northside Hospital Cancer Institute’s Prostate and Urologic Cancer Program, ACC patients have access to a multidisciplinary team that works together at every step. The team includes:

• Urologists
• Medical oncologists
• Radiation oncologists
• Radiologists and pathologists
• Certified genetic counselors
• Oncology nurse navigators and clinical research nurses

The team meets weekly to review cases and agree on evidence-based treatment recommendations for each patient, taking national guidelines and each person’s life circumstances into account.

Prostate Cancer Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the stage of the cancer, how quickly it is likely to grow, your overall health and your preferences. Options may include:

• Active surveillance. Some slow-growing prostate cancers are watched closely with regular tests instead of being treated right away.
• Surgery to remove the prostate.
• Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells.
• Hormone therapy to lower or block the hormones that help prostate cancer grow.
• Chemotherapy for cancer that has spread or stopped responding to hormone therapy.
• Focal therapy, which treats only the area of the prostate where the cancer is.
• Personalized therapies based on the cancer’s genetic makeup, including newer options for advanced prostate cancer.
• Clinical trials that offer access to new treatments.

Learn more about medical oncology and clinical trials at ACC.

Prostate Cancer Support and Survivorship

Prostate cancer treatment and recovery can feel overwhelming. Through Northside Hospital Cancer Institute, oncology nurse navigators, registered nurses with extensive oncology training, guide patients through treatment and coordinate with the whole care team. To reach a nurse navigator, call 404-300-2800 or email nurse.navigator@northside.com.

Support services include cancer genetics, oncology nutrition, social work, rehabilitation (including pelvic health) and a monthly prostate cancer support group. At ACC, our oncology social workers help with counseling, community resources, transportation and financial concerns. You can also explore our supportive care resources.

Common Questions About Prostate Cancer

Does prostate cancer always cause symptoms?

No. Early prostate cancer often causes no symptoms, which is why screening conversations with your doctor matter.

When should I talk to my doctor about screening?

Beginning at age 40, men should discuss the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening with a physician, especially if they are at higher risk.

Does every prostate cancer need treatment right away?

Not always. Some slow-growing prostate cancers can be watched closely with active surveillance. Your care team will help you weigh the options.

What happens after an abnormal PSA test?

A biopsy is usually needed to know whether cancer is present. If cancer is found, more testing helps show how quickly it may grow and guides treatment.