Prostate cancer affects men mostly over 40 years of age. It is estimated that there are over one million cases of prostate cancer in Canada. However, as little as 20% of cases have been diagnosed, leaving approximately 80% undetected.

Dr. Michael McBurney, Director of the Centre for Cancer Therapy at the Ottawa Health Research Institute explains: "While prostate cancer is by far the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, 90% of these men can be successfully treated. The key is early detection. In the longer term, research into improved diagnosis, treatment and prevention will further improve our capacity to deal with this disease".

 

• Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death in Canadian men.
• An estimated 25,500 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer and 4,400 will die of it this year.
• On average, 490 Canadian men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer every week.
• On average, 85 Canadian men will die of prostate cancer every week.
• One in seven men will be affected by prostate cancer in his lifetime.
• There are an estimated 1.2 million men in Canada with prostate cancer: approximately 800,000 men do not know they have it.
• 90% of prostate cancer cases can be successfully treated if caught early.

 

 

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

 

Most of the time, prostate cancer does not initially cause symptoms. By the time symptoms do occur, the disease may have spread beyond the prostate. Symptoms of prostate cancer may include the following:

Urinary problems:

• Inability to urinate
• Difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine.
• Needing to urinate often, especially at night.
• Weak flow of urine.
• Urine flow that starts and stops.
• Pain or burning during urination.
• Difficulty having an erection.
• Blood in the urine or semen.
• Frequent pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.

 

Although these symptoms can be symptoms of cancer, they are much more likely to be caused by noncancerous conditions. It is important to check with a doctor.