Causes

Mutations in the DNA of abnormal cells cause them to grow and divide more rapidly than normal cells. These abnormal cells continue to grow even when other cells would typically die. Over time, the accumulating abnormal cells form a mass called a tumor. This tumor continues to grow and may invade surrounding tissue. Some of the abnormal cells can also break away from the original tumor and spread to other parts of the body—this process is known as metastasis.

Risk factors

The following factors may increase your risk of developing prostate cancer:

• Older age
  The risk of developing prostate cancer increases with advancing age.
• Family history of prostate or breast cancer
  If men in your family have had prostate cancer, your own risk may be higher. You may also be at increased risk if there is a known genetic predisposition to breast cancer in your family (such as mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes) or if there are multiple cases of breast cancer among close relatives.
• Being overweight
  Men who are overweight and diagnosed with prostate cancer are more likely to have advanced disease that may be harder to treat.
• Ethnicity
  Black men have a significantly higher risk of developing prostate cancer than white men. Prostate cancer in Black men also tends to be more aggressive and is more likely to be diagnosed at an advanced stage. The reasons for this are not yet fully understood.

Complications

Possible complications of prostate cancer and their treatment:

• Metastasis
  The cancer spreads—this means it metastasizes. It may invade nearby organs such as the bladder or spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to the bones or other organs. Prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bones can cause bone pain and fractures. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it may still respond well to treatment and be brought under control. However, a complete cure is no longer expected in such cases.
• Incontinence
  Both prostate cancer itself and its treatment can lead to urinary incontinence. Whether treatment is possible or improvement occurs over time depends on the type and severity of the incontinence. Treatment options include medications, catheters, and surgical procedures.
• Erectile dysfunction
  Erectile dysfunction can occur as a result of prostate cancer or its treatment—for example, following surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy. Treatment options include medications, vacuum erection devices, and surgical interventions.