Prostate problems are rare before age 55. Then the most common problems is an enlarged prostate, which is usually benign and does not require treatment. Sometimes, the enlarged prostate squeezes the urethra, making urination more frequent and difficult, as well as causing problems with sex. If the discomfort become severe, the usual treatment is surgery. Another problem is cancer.
Radiation therapy is used if the cancer has spread.
Doctors use a rectal exam of the prostate to screen for prostate disease. Unfortunately, cancer has often spread to other parts of the body by the time this method can detect it. Men over 40 should undergo a rectal exam. At age 50, a PSA test should also be a part of their regular checkup. A cancer diagnosis can be confirmed with a biopsy or ultrasound scan.