If you experience urinary problems and become concerned about your condition, call your doctor for a thorough examination. The growth of malignant cells into a tumor in the prostate is the most common cancer in American men. It can exist for many years without symptoms, until the tumor grows large enough to affect urination. There are blood tests that can help a physician diagnose prostate cancer early. If untreated, it may spread to other organs or bone.
Treatment can include surgery, radiation or hormone therapy.
If your father or brother had prostate cancer, your risk is much higher than if they didn't. If your risk is high, cut down on animal fat in your diet. Men over 50 should have an annual rectal exam to check for lumps in the gland. African-American men with a family history of prostate cancer should begin their annual tests at age 40. This condition is marked by an inflammation of the prostate gland.