Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate, a gland in the male reproductive system. Most prostate cancers are slow growing. However, there are cases of aggressive prostate cancers. Many factors, including genetics and diet have been involved in the development of prostate cancer. The presence of prostate cancer may be indicate by symptoms, physical examination, prostate-specific antigen or biopsy. Moreover, the prostate test screening is controversial at the moment and may lead to unnecessary, even harmful consequences in some patients.

The signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptom. Nevertheless, symptoms of prostate cancer may be: frequent urination, nocturnal stream of urine, blood in the urine and painful urination. The symptoms of prostate cancer are often associated with urinary dysfunction. Changes within the gland, therefore, directly affect the urinary function. The symptoms of prostate cancer occur in the same time when the changes within the gland take place. Advanced prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the body, possibly causing additional problems. The most common symptoms of prostate cancer are bone pain, often in the vertebrae, pelvis or ribs. Spread of the cancer into the other bones such as the femur can also compress the spinal cord, causing leg weakness and urinal and fecal incontinence.

Genetic background can lead to the development of the symptoms of prostate cancer, as suggested by associations with race, family and specific gene variants. Men who have a first degree relative with serious symptoms of prostate cancer have twice the risk of developing prostate cancer, and those with second degree relatives affected have a fivefold greater risk of developing symptoms of prostate cancer.

For example, in 2005, in the United States, there were an estimate of 230.000 cases of prostate cancer and 30.000 deaths due to prostate cancer. Men with high blood pressure are more likely to develop the symptoms of prostate cancer. There is an increased risk of prostate cancer associated with lack of exercise. A 2010 study made by doctors and scientists alike, found that prostate basal cells were the most common site of origin for prostate cancers.