Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is defined simply as the presence of cancerous cells in the prostate. Cancerous cells (wherever they are found in the body) are the result of a
genetic mutation (change). This mutation causes them to grow and reproduce much more than usual and/or not die off in a normal period of time. In many cases, these cancerous cells form growths or tumors and can spread to other parts of the body. As cancerous cells grow and spread, they can damage or interfere with the function of organs in the body, causing a variety of symptoms.
Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, prostate cancer is by far the most common cancer among men.
- One in every six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point in their lives.
- More than 65% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over 65.
The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be more than 234,000 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in the United States and that about 27,000 men will die of prostate cancer in 2006.
Learn more about prostate cancer, including:
