What should you know about main cause of prostate cancer?

There is no single cause that explains every prostate cancer. Changes in cell DNA can accumulate over time, and risk rises with age. A close family history can suggest inherited susceptibility, especially when relatives were diagnosed unusually young or several relatives were affected. An inherited gene change may be relevant for some families, so the family pattern is worth sharing with a clinician.

Difficulty passing urine, needing to urinate often, or blood in urine can have several causes, including non-cancerous prostate enlargement or infection. Symptoms alone cannot identify prostate cancer. Assessment may include a conversation, examination, blood testing, and further investigations chosen for the individual.

Write down relatives with prostate, breast, ovarian, or pancreatic cancer and the ages at diagnosis, if known. Discuss this history and any urinary changes with a clinician. They can explain whether monitoring, testing, or genetic counselling is appropriate for you.

If cancer is diagnosed, treatment depends on the tumour’s features, its extent, your general health, and your preferences. Options may include active monitoring, prostate removal surgery, radiotherapy, brachytherapy, or medicines for disease outside the prostate. A plan can change as more information becomes available.

Seek urgent care if you cannot pass urine, have heavy blood in the urine, develop severe lower abdominal pain, or feel faint with bleeding. New severe back or bone pain, leg weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control also needs immediate assessment.

Does my family history suggest inherited risk? Which tests would clarify the cause of my urinary symptoms? If cancer is found, what information will determine whether surgery, radiotherapy, brachytherapy, or another treatment is suitable?