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Prostate cancer is a disease in which cells in the prostate gland grow uncontrollably. The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It produces fluid that is part of semen. Prostate cancer is most common in older men, typically diagnosed around age 67 or later. Many prostate cancers grow very slowly and may never cause symptoms or serious health problems.
Because prostate cancer often grows slowly, many men live with it without needing immediate treatment. However, some prostate cancers can grow faster and spread to other parts of the body, which can be serious. Early detection through screening tests can find cancers before symptoms develop, but it is not always clear if early treatment improves survival. Treatments can have significant side effects, so understanding the nature of the cancer and the risks and benefits of treatment is important.
Prostate cancer may not cause symptoms at first. When symptoms do occur, they can include problems urinating, such as a weak or interrupted urine stream, urgency, pain or burning during urination, blood in urine or semen, and pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvis. These symptoms can also be caused by other prostate conditions like an enlarged prostate or prostatitis. Diagnosis usually involves a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, a digital rectal exam (DRE), and if needed, a biopsy where tissue is taken from the prostate to look for cancer cells.
Treatment depends on the cancer’s stage, growth rate, symptoms, and the patient’s age and overall health. Active surveillance involves regular tests to monitor the cancer closely and delay treatment until there are signs of growth or symptoms. Surgery to remove the prostate gland may be an option if the cancer has not spread. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing. Hormone therapy blocks hormones that prostate cancer cells need to grow. Some medications used for other prostate conditions, like 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, may be mentioned in care discussions because hormone levels and prostate size can affect diagnosis and treatment.
Screening for prostate cancer aims to find cancers that are more likely to spread so they can be treated early. The main screening tests are the PSA blood test and the digital rectal exam. However, screening has benefits and risks. It can lead to finding cancers that might never cause problems, resulting in unnecessary biopsies or treatments with side effects like urinary incontinence or erectile dysfunction. Because of this, men should discuss their personal risk factors—such as age, family history, and race—with their healthcare provider to decide if screening is right for them.
When you see the term “prostate cancer” in medical reports, treatment plans, or test results, it’s important to ask your care team what it means for your specific situation. The term alone does not tell the whole story about how serious the cancer is or what treatment is best. Prostate cancer care is highly individualized, and decisions are based on many factors beyond just the diagnosis.
If you have questions about prostate cancer, screening, or treatment options, talk openly with your healthcare provider. They can help explain what the diagnosis means for you, discuss the pros and cons of different approaches, and support you in making choices that fit your health and goals. Remember, this information is educational and not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Your care team is the best source to guide you through understanding and managing prostate cancer.
Public source information used for this glossary entry includes: