I had prostate cancer and treated it about six years ago. The procedure was simple - I was discharged same day; after one semi-rough night, life went on as normal. One exception, my physician cautioned me that young women should not sit on my lap for the next six months. I am quite sure that several ladies threw themselves off a bridge when they herd this awful news...

Prostate cancer is very common. I doubt seriously that it results from any single substance or any single source. Monitoring is key; catch it early and you have several options which can be quite effective (like my seed implants). Late detection - not so much.

The trend now is toward watchful waiting. Many more of us will die with prostate cancer than from prostate cancer.

Best wishes to your friend on his surgery. I understand there are robotic techniques which are effective, with lessened side effects.