The prostate consists of a small gland which in men, is located under the bladder. It has a doughnut shape and fits around the urethra, a tube that transports urine from the bladder. The prostate produces fluid which mixes with sperm during male ejaculation.

The most common type of cancer in men throughout most western countries is prostate cancer. Most tumours are slow growing and often do not require treatment. However, some grow rapidly and can spread to the bones causing considerable pain. There are approximately 30,000 new cases per year within the UK, 215,000 in the USA, 12,000 in Australia and 20,000 in Canada.

There are a number of symptoms associated with prostate cancer such as inability to urinate or difficulty passing urine, especially at night, interrupted or weak urine flow, pain and/or blood during urination, pain in the lower back, upper thighs and hips. It is important, however to bear in mind that other conditions such as benign prostate enlargement can cause these symptoms. A doctor should always be consulted where these symptoms are present.

Although experts have not yet established the exact cause for prostate cancer, it is thought that radiation is a cause for a small proportion of cases. Approximately 5 to 10% of cases are found in families where the patient inherits a high risk of prostate cancer.

It is very rare to find prostate cancer in men under the age of 50 years. The risk of developing the disease increases after the age of 50 and over half of cases occur in men over the age of 75 years. Those men who have a history of prostate cancer are at an increased risk.

Certain scientific evidence has suggested eating a low-fat diet can help to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Studies have also suggested that diets which are high in tomatoes, cruciform vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts, vitamin E can also reduce a man’s risk, although these studies have not yet been confirmed.

Although it was once believed that a vasectomy increased the risk of a man developing prostate cancer, recent research suggests that there is no difference between those who have and have not had a vasectomy.

Experts have not yet found a way of preventing prostate cancer, although research and studies have found that those men who took 200 microgrammes of selenium each day had a reduced risk of producing prostate cancer.

It has been found that some families have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. The normal risk of developing prostate cancer some time during a man’s life is 1 in 13. By having one or more close relative such as a father or brother develop prostate cancer before the age of 70, a man’s risk will increase by two or three times.

Early diagnosis can increase the success of treatment. However, when the cancer becomes advanced, it will become more difficult to cure. Men over the age of 50 years should be aware of the symptoms and ensure that they have a medical examination if there are any warning signs.