Prostate cancer is a group of malignant cancerous cells or in other words a tumor that begins most often in the outer areas of the prostate. Excluding skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in American men.

Normally, there are no early signs or symptoms of prostate cancer. Yet, when the tumor grows, it may spread from the prostate to surrounding areas. As the tumor grows, the patient will start to notice symptoms. Some such symptoms include the following:

• Frequent urination (especially at night)
• Weak urinary stream
• Inability to urinate
• Interruption of urinary stream (stopping and starting)
• Pain or burning on urination
• Blood in the urine
• Pain in lower back, pelvis or upper thighs

(Preventing the testicles from producing testosterone may relieve many of the above symptoms.)

The major treatment options for prostate cancer include:

• Hormonal therapy
• Surgery
• Radiation
• Chemotherapy
• Watchful waiting (Observation)