Prostate Cancer develops in a gland in the male reproductive system called the prostate, which produces and stores semen.  When it has developed and spread, prostate cancer is fatal, however small cancerous cells are usually present and harmless in the prostate. Advanced prostate cancer may spread to the pelvis, ribs or spine.

Symptoms include discomfort during sexual intercourse and painful ejaculation, pain urinating or erectile dysfunction.  Sufferers may also urinate more often at night and in some extreme cases, pass blood along with urine.

Prostate cancer is prevalent in men over 40, those with a history of the disease in their family and African-American men. A diet that is high in animal fat and dairy products and low in fresh fruit and vegetables may also increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Checks for prostate cancer can be made with a prostate biopsy, which is done to confirm the presence of the cancer and involves the examination of small tissues removed from the prostate gland for examination. This is done when lump is found in the prostate or a high level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is found in the blood after a blood test.

The procedure is done when a thin needle is inserted into the urethra, rectum or in the area between the anus and scrotum.  There will be bleeding around the area where the needle is inserted, and blood may be present in the urine, semen or stools for a number of days or weeks after the procedure. Blood clots may also form.

However, the needle search for cancerous cells in a prostate biopsy may not reveal cancer, but this may be because the needle was inserted in the wrong place and failed to detect it. Also, during the procedure, cancerous cells may be released into the blood stream which can cluster and grow and cause more complications.

Other complications of a biopsy include infections, an inability to urinate afterwards which usually occurs if the urethra swells up, and bleeding through the rectum. Some men experience decreased ejaculation, erectile difficulties and even impotency.  Peyronies disease may also be a symptom of a prostate biopsy, which is when a lump causes the penis to remain permanently bent.

There are various scans available that will be an alternative to biopsies. Treatment-wise, surgery is undertaken to help ease symptoms of prostate cancer and chemotherapy is another treatment option for the cancer. Radiotherapy is used in advanced cases of the disease to reduce accompanying pain and hormone therapy may also be recommended.