WHO'S AT RISK FROM PROSTATE CANCER?

All men are at risk for developing prostate cancer. About one man in six will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during his lifetime, but only one man in 34 will die of this disease. About 80 percent of men who reach age 80 have prostate cancer. Besides being male, there are other factors, such as age, race, and family history that may contribute to the risk.

Age

The majority of men with prostate cancer are aged over 60 years and the disease is very rare in men under 50.

Family History

Men with a brother or father who developed prostate cancer at a young age have an increased risk. Men with a family history of breast cancer also have an increased risk.

Race

Prostate cancer is more common in men of African descent

Symptoms

One of the problems related to prostate cancer is that, in its early stages, it often does not cause symptoms.

Symptoms may include any of the following:

 - Having to rush to the toilet to pass urine
 - Passing urine more often and/or at night
 - Difficulty getting started and interruption of flow
 - Discomfort whilst passing urine
 - A feeling of not having emptied the bladder fully
 - Blood in urine or semen
 - Pain or stiffness in the back, hips or pelvis

These symptoms can be caused by other conditions that are less serious than prostate cancer.