The prostate is a walnut-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system that is involved in the production of semen. Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal prostate cells develop, often from mutations in the cell DNA and grow in an uncontrolled way, often multiplying and spreading. 1
Prostate Cancer
Is prostate cancer hereditary?
Approximately 5 –10% of all prostate cancer cases are thought to be hereditary (passed on from one family member to another).2 Gene mutations that have been implicated in inherited prostate cancer include;
- HOXB13
this gene is involved in the development of the prostate gland, mutations in this gene have been linked to early onset cases of prostate cancer, although this gene mutation is uncommon. 2 - BRCA 1 and BRCA 2
mutations in these genes have been implicated in breast and ovarian cancers in women; however they are also implicated in prostate cancer in men, especially BRCA 2 gene mutations.2 - MSH2 and MLH1
these genes help repair mismatched DNA, mutations in these genes can result in a condition called Lynch Syndrome, which increases the risk of prostate, colorectal and other cancers.2 - RNASEL (also known as HPC1)
this gene helps to get rid of cells that begin to function abnormally. However mutations in this gene mean these abnormal cells are no longer destroyed, which can lead to an increased risk of prostate cancer. 2
However the majority of prostate cancer cases are thought to be due to an acquired gene mutation, which means cell mutations that occur during a man’s lifetime, rather than the mutations being passed down from generations.2
The TNM system is used to stage prostate cancer. A stage between 1 and 4 is given, with a higher number indicating a more serious stage of cancer.
The TNM stands for:4
- Tumour – the degree to which the tumour has affected other tissue.
- Node – is a measure of whether lymph nodes have been affected.
- Metastasis – the degree to which the cancer has spread to other organs of the body.
Along with the TNM information, your doctor will also take into consideration your PSA (prostate sensitive antigen) level from a blood test, as well as your Gleason score to help determine the stage of your cancer. The Gleason score is usually based on the results of a biopsy of the prostate, and it provides an indication of how quickly the cancer will grow and spread.10
The stages of prostate cancer are;11
| Stage | Tumour description | Gleason Score | PSA Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stage I | The tumour is in half or less than half of the prostate, and has not spread | Less than or equal to 6 | Less than 10 |
| Stage IIA | The tumour may be in more than half of the prostate, and has not spread | Less than or equal to 6 OR 7 | Between 10 – 20 OR Less than 20 |
| Stage IIB | The tumour has not spread outside the prostate | 8 or higher | More than 20 |
| Stage III | The tumour has spread beyond the outer layer of the prostate, but not to lymph nodes | Any number | Any number |
| Stage IV | The tumour has spread to nearby tissues, lymph nodes or other organs of the body | Any number | Any number |
In the early stages of prostate cancer you may not experience symptoms, but as the disease progresses you may experience some or all of the following;3
Frequent need to urinate
Difficulty starting or stopping urination
Sudden urge to urinate
Reduced flow of urine
Blood in urine or semen
Lower back pain or pain in the hip area
Unexplained weight-loss and fatigue
Prostate Cancer research at Icon
Our research centre at Icon offers Australia the largest private clinical trials programme in cancer research, with over 35 clinical trials currently open for recruitment. Clinical trials specific to prostate cancer research can be found here.
Icon’s collaborative approach to clinical trial research not only enables continual advancement and breakthroughs in prostate cancer research, but also enables the most up to date treatment options are available to all patients regardless of health insurance.
What causes prostate cancer?
Whilst there is no one cause of prostate cancer, some factors that can increase your risk include;3
- Being over 50 years
- High levels of testosterone has been associated with prostate cancer
- Family history of cancer (breast, ovarian, prostate)
Low intakes of fruit and vegetables
How common is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is relatively common among Australian men, being the second most commonly diagnosed cancer.3 Approximately 1 in every 7 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer by the time they are 85 years old. 3
What can I do to decrease my risk of prostate cancer?
Whilst there is no one way to prevent prostate cancer from developing 7, there are some life-style related factors you can do to reduce prostate cancer developing which include;
- Regular exercise – aim for at least 30 minutes per day
- Eating a balanced and healthy diet – for more information on healthy eating you can find information here on Australian Dietary Guidelines
- Maintain a healthy weight – The Cancer Australia recommends maintaining a healthy weight, within the normal BMI (Body Mass Index)* range of 18.5 – 24.9kg/m2.6
*To calculate your BMI = (weight(kg))/(height(m))2
What’s the risk of having cancer again?
Here are some useful links on the risks of developing prostate cancer again, or being affected by a second type of cancer.
References
For a full list of references, click here.
- What is prostate Cancer? (n.d) Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Retrieved on 11th February 2019 from https://www.prostate.org.au/awareness/general-information/what-you-need-to-know-about-prostate-cancer/
- What causes prostate cancer? (2016) American Cancer Society. Retrieved on 11th February 2019 from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/what-causes.html
- Prostate cancer (2018). Cancer Council. Retrieved on 12th February 2019 from https://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/prostate-cancer.html
- TNM System (2016). Cancer Council. Retrieved on 12th February 2019 from https://www.cancer.org.au/about-cancer/types-of-cancer/tnm-system.html
- What you need to know about prostate cancer. (n.d). Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Retrieved on 12th February 2019 from https://www.prostate.org.au/awareness/general-information/what-you-need-to-know-about-prostate-cancer/
- Overweight and obesity. (n.d). Cancer Australia. Australian Government. Retrieved on 13th February 2019 from https://canceraustralia.gov.au/publications-and-resources/position-statements/lifestyle-risk-factors-and-primary-prevention-cancer/lifestyle-risk-factors/overweight-and-obesity
- Can prostate cancer be prevented?(2016). American Cancer Society. Retrieved on 13th February 2019 from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html
- Chemotherapy for Prostate Cancer. (2016). American Cancer Society. Retrieved on 13th February 2019 from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treating/chemotherapy.html
- Radiation therapy for prostate cancer.(2016). American Cancer Society. Retrieved on 13th February 2019 from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/treating/radiation-therapy.html
- Prostate cancer stages (2017). American Cancer Society. Retrieved on 13th February 2019 from https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/staging.html
- How is prostate cancer diagnosed? (2017). Australian Government, Cancer Australia. Retrieved on 13th February 2019 from https://prostate-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au/diagnosis
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