Researchers cannot say how to prevent prostate cancer because very little is known about its cause. However, eating less fat, especially from red meat and dairy products, is believed to be a smart choice. A low-fat diet that includes lots of fresh fruits and vegetables can help reduce the risk of many types of cancer, as well as reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. There is research that seems to suggest that diets that include vitamin E and a trace mineral called selenium can help reduce prostate cancer risks.

What are the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer? There are very few signs of prostate cancer in its early stages. When the cancer is still confined to the prostate gland, there may be no pain or discomfort or any other symptoms. Having trouble urinating is a symptom that is often associated with this type of cancer, but it may not be a cancer symptom at all. Men, if you have trouble urinating, talk to your doctor soon.

As with all other cancers, the earlier it is found, the better the chances of successful treatment. If the cancer has not spread beyond the prostate gland, the long-term chances of survival are very good. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it is much more difficult to treat successfully.

A cancer screening is an important part of early detection. There are two common tests to screen for prostate cancer, a PSA blood test and a digital rectal exam (DRE). High levels of the protein known as PSA are often found in many different types of prostate conditions, including prostate cancer. The PSA test can determine if there are high levels of this protein in the bloodstream.

The DRE is a somewhat uncomfortable procedure that can be completed quickly. The doctor should feel inside the rectum area to find firm areas that may indicate a tumor. Most prostate cancers usually start to grow in the part of the prostate that is easily reached by a digital rectal exam. The DRE also helps detect early rectal tumors.

If the doctor finds unusual results on the DRE or PSA test, they will usually require more tests. To confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer, a biopsy will be taken, usually in the doctor’s office. A sample of tissue will be removed from the prostate with a very fine needle and examined under a microscope. The entire procedure will take less than 30 minutes.

The tissue from the biopsy will be examined in a laboratory to see if there are cancer cells. More tests will be done if cancer cells are found so they can determine what stage the cancer is and to what degree. The stage of a cancer tells how far the cancer has spread. The grade of a cancer tells how fast the cancer spreads. A rapidly spreading cancer is called an aggressive cancer.

More tests are done to determine the status of a cancer. Tests may include a bone scan, CT or CT scan, MRI, and lymph node biopsy. By determining the stage of the cancer, the doctor can better prescribe a treatment plan. Ask your doctor to explain the stage and grade of the cancer, as well as the treatment plan options.

Remember that early detection is the key to successful treatment. Men should have regular prostate exams annually after age 50.