Fact

• According to the National Cancer Institute website, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in American men.
  
  

Surgery

• Removal of the prostate is sometimes necessary in severe cases of prostate cancer, and such surgery can cause permanent impotence or urinary incontinence. According to the Cancer Compass website, these side effects are now less prevalent because of advancements in surgical techniques; however, the patient may still experience temporary impotence or urinary incontinence.
  
  

Radiation Therapy

• Radiation therapy as a form of treatment can cause extreme fatigue and tiredness. Diarrhea and painful urination are also common, and temporary or permanent hair loss in the groin area can also occur. External radiation therapy can damage nerves that control the erection, and lead to temporary or permanent impotence.
  
  

Hormone Therapy

• According to the Cancer Compass website, hormone therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer often causes loss of sexual desire, impotence and hot flashes. Estrogen and anti-androgens that block the actions of testosterone may cause nausea, vomiting, tenderness and swelling of the breasts. Estrogen also increases a man's risk of heart disease.
  
  

Considerations

• African-American men and men with a father, son or brother with prostate cancer should begin prostate cancer screenings no later than age 40.