For this reason and also because prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages of development, the American Foundation for Urologic Disease recommends that all men over age 50 have a yearly medical check-up that includes a rectal examination and a PSA test. The treatments available for prostate cancer depend on a number of factors including age, general health, and the stage at which the tumor is diagnosed. The development of prostate cancer is typically divided into four stages. Prostate cancer at this stage generally produces no symptoms. Stage A disease can be treated by surgically removing the prostate, a procedure known as a prostatectomy.
Side effects can include impotence and incontinence.
Radiation therapy may cause frequent and painful urination, diarrhea, and impotence. The tumor is still located within the prostate gland, but it has grown to the point where it an be felt during a rectal examination. Like Stage A, prostate cancer can advance to this stage without symptoms. Treatments for Stage B are the same as those for Stage A and can still be considered curable. At this stage, the tumor has spread from within the prostate to other areas near the gland.