Prostate Cancer: Overview

Cancer overview

Cancer, a condition of abnormal cell growth, is the second most common cause of death in developed countries. Normal cell growth is a carefully regulated process. Cancer cells replicate in an uncontrolled manner, and can move from one part of the body to another.

For more information, see Cancer: Overview.

Anatomy of the male reproductive system

The male reproductive system consists of several parts, including the testes, epidydimis, urethra, penis, seminal vesicles, bulbourethral glands and prostate gland.

For more information, see Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System.

Video: Diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer

Approximately 1 in 10 men will develop prostate cancer in his lifetime. Professor Stricker discusses the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.

Watch the video Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer.

Prostate cancer tests

There are a number of tests that can be done to investigate the likelihood of a man having prostate cancer, including PSA testing and prostate needle biopsy. However, many prostate cancers will not actually progress sufficiently to cause harm in a man’s lifetime. For this reason, prostate cancer detection is done on an individual basis, taking into account each man’s risk factors.

For more information, see Prostate Cancer Tests.

Prostate cancer types

There are several different types of prostate cancer, including adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma. Non-cancerous conditions related to prostate cancer include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN).

For more information, see Prostate Cancer Types.

Prostate cancer treatments

Treatments for prostate cancer include surgery, hormonal therapy, radiotherapy and high intensity focused ultrasound. The choice of treatment depends on the type of cancer, age and concerns about side effects.

For more information, see Prostate Cancer Treatments.

Lifestyle issues

Prostate cancer can affect a man’s lifestyle in more ways than one, including diet, sex and travel. Cancer survivor Bernie provides insight on his thoughts and feeling during his journey through the disease.

For more information, see Prostate Cancer Lifestyle.