Prostate Cancer

Condition Basics

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the prostate gland. (The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It is a small organ below the bladder that makes fluid for semen.)

Most cases of prostate cancer occur after age 65. It usually grows slowly and can take years to grow large enough to cause any problems.

In some cases, the cancer grows more quickly. It may spread within the prostate, to nearby lymph nodes and other tissues, and to other parts of the body. But usually prostate cancer is found early, before the cancer has spread outside the prostate.

What causes it?

Experts don't know exactly what causes prostate cancer. But they do know that changes in the body's DNA are involved. These include DNA changes that are inherited as well as those that happen as you get older.

What are the symptoms?

Prostate cancer usually doesn't cause symptoms in its early stages. When there are symptoms, they are most often problems with urinating. You may also have deep and frequent pain in your lower back, belly, hip, or pelvis.

How is it diagnosed?

Your doctor may check for prostate cancer with a blood test called a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. And you will probably have a digital rectal exam. If your PSA level is high, you'll likely have more tests to find the cause. A prostate biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

How is prostate cancer treated?

Treatment for prostate cancer is based on the stage of the cancer, your Gleason score, and other things, such as your age and overall health. The main options are active surveillance, radiation therapy, and surgery to remove the prostate. Active surveillance may be recommended for slow-growing cancer that's confined to the prostate.

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Current as of: October 25, 2023

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.