Prostate cancer survivorship in children

Overview

Prostate cancer is a disease in which cells in the prostate gland grow out of control. The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer is almost never seen in children. In fact, it is extremely rare for a child to develop prostate cancer. The information here is provided to help families understand why prostate cancer is not a childhood cancer and where to get accurate information about cancer in children.

No. Prostate cancer in children is extremely rare. Almost all prostate cancer cases are in men over 50.

This condition, when it appears in a child, is exceptionally rare. It can affect any boy, but there are no clear risk factors in children. In general, prostate cancer affects adult men, especially those with a family history or of African ancestry.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• In early stages, many men have no symptoms.
• Urination changes, such as needing to urinate more often or urgently.
• Weak or slow urine stream.
• Difficulty starting urination.
• Blood in urine or semen.
• Discomfort in the pelvic area.

Symptoms in children

• Children with prostate cancer would likely have similar symptoms if they occurred, but this is extremely rare.
• More common signs of cancer in children include unexplained fever, weight loss, pain, swelling, or a lump.
• Any of these symptoms should be evaluated by a pediatrician.

Symptoms in older adults

• Bone pain, especially in the back, hips, or pelvis.
• Swelling in the legs or pelvic area.
• Unexplained weight loss and fatigue.

Causes

Main causes

• The exact cause of prostate cancer is not known.
• Changes (mutations) in the DNA of prostate cells can lead to cancer.
• Testosterone and other male sex hormones can help prostate cancer grow.

Risk factors

• Age (most cases are in men over 65).
• Family history of prostate or breast cancer.
• Inherited gene changes, such as BRCA mutations.
• Obesity.
• Race/ethnicity (African-American men have a higher risk).
• For children, these risk factors are not proven.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If your child has any unusual symptoms, such as a lump, unexplained pain, or persistent fever, see a doctor promptly.
• If you are an adult and have blood in your urine or sudden difficulty passing urine, seek medical help urgently.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Men should talk to their healthcare provider about prostate cancer screening starting at age 50, or earlier if they have risk factors.
• Parents can discuss any concerns about their child's health with a pediatrician during routine well-child visits.

Diagnosis

Prostate cancer is diagnosed in adult men through a combination of a PSA blood test, a digital rectal exam (DRE), and if needed, a biopsy. In children, these tests are not typically done unless there is an extremely unusual reason. If a child has concerning symptoms, the doctor will take a careful medical history, perform a physical exam, and may order blood tests or imaging as needed.

Tests that may be done

• PSA test (for adult men).
• Digital rectal exam (DRE).
• Prostate biopsy (taking a small sample of tissue).
• MRI or CT scan (to see if cancer has spread).
• For children: blood counts, imaging studies such as ultrasound or X-ray.

What to expect at your appointment

If you are being checked for prostate cancer, the doctor will explain each test before it is done. You will likely receive results within a few days to a week. If you are a parent concerned about your child, a pediatrician will usually be able to give you prompt answers and arrange further tests if needed.

Treatment

Treatment for adult prostate cancer depends on how fast it is growing, whether it has spread, and the man's overall health. Treatment for childhood cancers is very different and is managed by a team of pediatric cancer specialists. If you are a survivor of childhood cancer, your follow-up care will be tailored to your specific cancer and treatment history.

Self-care at home

• Attend all follow-up appointments and get recommended tests.
• Eat a balanced diet and stay physically active.
• Talk openly with your healthcare team about any concerns.
• Keep a record of your treatment history to share with new doctors.

Medical treatments

For prostate cancer, treatment may include active surveillance (monitoring closely without immediate treatment), surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, or newer targeted therapies. The choice is personal and made with a specialist. For childhood cancers, treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or other therapies, depending on the cancer type and stage.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery to remove the prostate may be used for men with cancer that has not spread outside the prostate. In children, surgery may be part of cancer treatment if a solid tumor is present, but this is unrelated to prostate cancer.

Living with this condition

After cancer treatment, many people live active lives. Survivors of childhood cancer need regular check-ups to monitor for late effects of treatment, such as heart, lung, or hormone problems. It's important to have a survivorship care plan.

Lifestyle tips

• Avoid smoking and limit alcohol.
• Stay socially connected with friends and family.
• Ask your doctor about vaccines and health screenings appropriate for your age.
• Protect your skin and practice sun safety if you have had radiation.

Diet and exercise

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can support overall health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, but talk to your doctor about what's right for you.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

A cancer diagnosis or being a cancer survivor can bring emotional stress. It is normal to feel fear, sadness, or worry. For children and families, these feelings can be intense. Talking with a counselor or joining a support group can help. If you or your child are in crisis, reach out to emergency services or a mental health line.

Prevention

There is no proven way to prevent prostate cancer. For childhood cancers, most have no known cause and cannot be prevented. However, healthy habits like eating well and being active are always good.

Screening programmes

Screening for prostate cancer with the PSA blood test is not recommended for children. For adult men, it's a personal choice. Discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor.

Complications

If left untreated

• Cancer can spread to lymph nodes, bones, or other organs.
• Urinary problems, such as blockage or kidney damage.
• Bone pain and fractures.
• For childhood cancers, untreated cancer can be life-threatening, but this is not about prostate cancer.

Long-term outlook

Many men with prostate cancer live for many years, even if it is not cured. Childhood cancer survival rates have greatly improved in recent decades, and many survivors go on to lead healthy lives. Your healthcare team can give you a more specific outlook based on your situation.

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