Prostate cancer may be most common in men over the age of 65. The disease may develop slowly and may take years before it causes any serious problems. Many cases may be treatable if the disease is found before it has spread to other areas of the body.

The exact cause of the disease may not be fully understood, but certain factors may increase a person's risk for developing prostate cancer. Age and ethnicity may play a role in the chances of developing the disease. Also, people with a family history of prostate cancer may be more prone to the disease.

Prostate cancer may come with no symptoms in the early stages of the disease. In fact, many men may not be aware that they have it until a doctor finds it during a routine checkup or examination.

Problems with urination may be one symptom, although an enlarged prostate, a condition facing many men without the disease, may cause urination problems. Symptoms of prostate cancer may include problems starting a urine stream, a weaker-than-normal urine stream, an inability to urinate at all, frequent urination, a feeling that the bladder does not empty completely after urination, pain or burning during urination, blood in urine and a deep pain the lower back, belly, hip or pelvis.

Treatment for prostate cancer may depend on many factors. What types of cancer cells are present, how much the cancer has spread, the age and health of the patient and the patient's personal preferences may influence the type of treatment.

Surgery may be used to treat prostate cancer in some cases. Other treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hormone therapy or some combination of treatments. Diet and lifestyle changes may also support a cancer-free recovery.

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