The prostate is a small walnut shaped gland located in the pelvis and is part of the male reproductive system. About the size of a walnut, it's located between the penis and the bladder, and surrounds the urethra. The main function of the prostate is to produce a thick white fluid that creates semen when mixed with the sperm produced by the testicles.

• The causes of prostate cancer are largely unknown. But certain things can increase your risk of developing the condition.
• The chances of developing prostate cancer increase as you get older. Most cases develop in men aged 50 or older.
• For reasons not yet understood, prostate cancer is more common in black men and less common in Asian men.
• Men whose father or brother were affected by prostate cancer are at slightly increased risk themselves.
• Recent research also suggests that obesity increases the risk of prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer may cause no signs or symptoms in its early stages. In its advanced state it may cause signs and symptoms listed below. Kindly note that these symptoms could be caused by conditions other than prostate cancer as well. Should you see any of the below symptoms,

There's no single test for prostate cancer. All the tests used to help diagnose the condition have benefits and risks that your doctor should discuss with you.
The most commonly used tests for prostate cancer are:

• Blood Tests
• A Physical Examination of your Prostate (known as a digital rectal examination, or DRE)
• An MRI Scan
• A biopsy

Complications of prostate cancer and its treatments include:

• Cancer that spreads (metastasizes): Prostate cancer can spread to nearby organs, such as your bladder, or travel through your bloodstream or lymphatic system to your bones or other organs. Prostate cancer that spreads to the bones can cause pain and broken bones. Once prostate cancer has spread to other areas of the body, it may still respond to treatment and may be controlled, but it's unlikely to be cured.
• Incontinence: Both prostate cancer and its treatment can cause urinary incontinence. Treatment for incontinence depends on the type you have, how severe it is and the likelihood it will improve over time. Treatment options may include medications, catheters and surgery.
• Erectile Dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction can result from prostate cancer or its treatment, including surgery, radiation or hormone treatments. Medications, vacuum devices that assist in achieving erection and surgery are available to treat erectile dysfunction.

You can reduce your risk of prostate cancer if you:

• Choose a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables: Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Fruits and vegetables contain many vitamins and nutrients that can contribute to your health.
  Whether you can prevent prostate cancer through diet has yet to be conclusively proved. But eating a healthy diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables can improve your overall health.
• Choose healthy foods over supplements: No studies have shown that supplements play a role in reducing your risk of prostate cancer. Instead, choose foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals so that you can maintain healthy levels of vitamins in your body.
• Exercise most days of the week: Exercise improves your overall health, helps you maintain your weight and improves your mood. Try to exercise most days of the week. If you're new to exercise, start slow and work your way up to more exercise time each day.
• Maintain a healthy weight: If your current weight is healthy, work to maintain it by choosing a healthy diet and exercising most days of the week. If you need to lose weight, add more exercise and reduce the number of calories you eat each day. Ask your doctor for help creating a plan for healthy weight loss.
• Talk to your doctor about increased risk of prostate cancer: If you have a very high risk of prostate cancer, you and your doctor may consider medications or other treatments to reduce the risk. Some studies suggest that taking 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, including finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart), may reduce the overall risk of developing prostate cancer. These drugs are used to control prostate gland enlargement and hair loss.
  However, some evidence indicates that people taking these medications may have an increased risk of getting a more serious form of prostate cancer (high-grade prostate cancer). If you're concerned about your risk of developing prostate cancer, talk with your doctor.