But the reasons for the disparity confound experts. The reasons for this disparity confound experts. In a 1991 issue of Cancer, a medical journal, Camps published a study of the prostate cancer survival rates of both blacks and whites. He found that cancer also seems to spread outside of the prostate more often in black patients than in whites. Researchers are now studying genetic factors in relation to prostate cancer.
Many doctors observe that it seems to run in families.
It is hoped that a recently discovered prostate cancer gene, the HPC1 gene, will teach scientists more about the inherited risk of prostate cancer. Some patients don't buy the genetic link theory. I have told all three of my sons that they need to be careful though and should be tested once a year. Choosing treatment Treatment for prostate cancer ranges from complete removal of the prostate, a procedure called a radical prostatectomy, to several types of radiation therapy. The prostate gland, an organ found only in men, is located in front of the rectum, behind the base of the penis, and under the bladder.