What Is Prostate Cancer?

This content has been reviewed and approved by

Daniel P. Petrylak, MD
Associate Professor of Medicine
Director, Genitourinary Oncology Program
Columbia University Medical Center
 

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), prostate cancer is by far the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer in men in the United States.

Prostate cancer is a disease in which cells in the prostate gland begin to grow and reproduce at an abnormal rate. If untreated, the defective cells may eventually spread to other areas of the body. Although all men are at risk for prostate cancer, it's typically a disease of aging and approximately one in six men will develop prostate cancer during their lifetime, with African-American men having a higher incidence rate than Caucasian men.

 

Click Image to Enlarge

However, a variety of methods are available to treat prostate cancer and limit the side effects associated with treatment, including erectile dysfunction (ED) and impotence. Like most cancers, early detection and treatment can help control the disease and/or eliminate it from your body.

This content was last modified on August 07, 2007 .
Latest Prostate Cancer News
In tough economic times, NIH head looks to clinic

January 25, 2010 — WASHINGTON (Reuters) - As he puts together his budget proposal for the coming year, National Institutes of Health director Dr. Francis Collins plans to do something a little different - emphasizing the "health" in the name of his U.S. agency.

Gene may pinpoint most aggressive prostate cancer

January 11, 2010 — WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Researchers have found a genetic mutation that helps predict which men will have aggressive prostate cancer and said it might help doctors choose who needs treatment and who does not.

Robot prostate surgery has downsides, needs more data

January 11, 2010 — NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Considering having a surgeon remove your cancerous prostate using a robot? You might want to see a surgeon who has done at least 80 operations for the best results, according to the authors of a new research review.

Select news items provided by Reuters Health