Why does prostate cancer occur? The prostate gland is an important reproductive organ in men. It secretes prostatic fluid, which is an important part of semen, and contains a variety of proteases that help liquefy semen and unite sperm with eggs. The prostate gland is located deep in the pelvic cavity and a normal sized prostate is similar in size and shape to a chestnut. Each man’s prostate gland increases in size as he ages. Most men will have symptoms of prostate enlargement after they reach the age of 60. If individual cells become malignant during the process of prostate enlargement, prostate cancer can occur. The factors that cause normal prostate cells to become cancerous are currently thought to include: genetic factors, metabolic factors and dietary factors. The genetic factors are particularly important, meaning that if a man in a family has been diagnosed with prostate cancer, his offspring will have an increased risk of developing prostate cancer. How to detect prostate cancer Usually, early prostate cancer does not have any special manifestations, some patients may have symptoms such as frequent urination, urgent urination or hematuria, but it is easily confused with urinary symptoms caused by prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia. Therefore, to detect prostate cancer at an early stage, it is usually necessary to rely on medical examination for screening. When the physician finds that the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level is elevated, or that there is a suspicious localized lesion in the prostate gland through anal or magnetic resonance imaging, the patient will be scheduled for a prostate puncture biopsy. Clinically, the detection of prostate cancer cells through a puncture biopsy is the ultimate basis for determining whether a patient has prostate cancer. In general, men with a family history of prostate cancer are recommended to start annual screening for prostate cancer at the age of 45 or older, which includes blood tests for prostate specific antigen (PSA), ultrasound examination of the prostate gland and direct anal examination. If you do not have a family history of prostate cancer, you may be screened after the age of 50. How to treat prostate cancer Currently, there are many treatment options for prostate cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and endocrine therapy. The specific treatment plan is determined by the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level at the time of diagnosis, the pathology of the puncture and the extent of the lesion as shown by imaging. The basic principles of treatment include ensuring patient safety and controlling tumor progression to the greatest extent possible while reducing the impact of the disease and treatment on the patient’s quality of life. In most patients, the disease can be effectively controlled with appropriate treatment.