What Is Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is cancer inside the prostate gland. It is the third leading cause of male cancer deaths and also the most common non-skin cancer for men. While the prostate is made of several different types of cells, almost all prostate cancers begin in the gland cells, a type of cancer known as adenocarcinoma. For many men, prostate cancer grows slowly, but for some it grows quickly and spreads outside of the prostate gland. Even with today’s technological resources, doctors still struggle to tell which cancers will grow quickly, and which will not.

Facts About Prostate Cancer

• Prostate cancer typically occurs in men ages 60 to 80.
• African-American men are at higher risk of developing the disease than Caucasians or Asians.
• Early stage prostate cancers have no symptoms.
• Risk factors include family history, age, and race.

According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 234,460 new cases of prostate cancer occurred in 2006. The ACS also estimates that around 27,250 men will die of the disease each year.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

While early stage prostate cancer has no symptoms, advanced cancers may cause the following:

• Blood in the urine
• Weak urinary stream
• Interruption of urinary stream
• Pain or burning during urination
• Inability to urinate
• Frequent urination, especially at night

Prostate cancer, when contained within the prostate gland, causes few problems. The risk involved with prostate cancer comes from its ability to spread into other vital systems. HIFU gives men with prostate cancer an opportunity to get rid of their cancer with minimal risk of side effects.